International Elasmobranch Husbandry Symposium 2013
Sustainability Abstracts
|
Full Abstract
The Monterey Bay Aquarium, open to the public in 1984, is built along the Monterey Bay in California. It is located on historic Cannery Row, once home to a booming sardine industry, and rests on the site of the former Hovden Sardine Cannery. Initially serving to inspire conservation of the local and near- shore marine communities of the central California coast, our mission has expanded to inspire conservation of our world’s oceans. Over the years the exhibitions at the Monterey Bay Aquarium have continued to evolve and change, and the current status of the facility reflects years of growing effort to support state-of-the-art live exhibitions, research, conservation and advocacy programs. |
Shark displays: Sustainability Practices in Elasmobranch Husbandry and Regulatory Matters
Jack Jewell, Shark Reef Aquarium Mandalay Bay Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
With continued positive changes to the protection of elasmobranchs the challenges associated with acquiring some target species for public display have increased. This changing environment supports institutional conservation guidelines and also focuses our attention on the need for improved captive management. Despite the fact that captive elasmobranch reproductive success is on the rise, with more species being added to the list every year, there is an urgent need to redouble our efforts and invest resources in honing our husbandry skills to assure future sustainability. |
Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharias taurus) Reproduction: A Framework for a Captive Breeding Program
Alan D. Henningsen, National Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
There has been relatively little success in the captive breeding of sand tiger sharks, Carcharias taurus. Examples of successful reproduction as a result of copulation in captivity, including the rearing of young are not found outside of Australia or South Africa. This non-breeding success is despite the fact that many institutions maintain sand tiger sharks of both sexes in sufficient quantities on North America, Europe, and Asia. We provide a framework from which a successful captive breeding program can be developed. To date, no organized, collaborative breeding effort has been attempted for sand tiger sharks. Such a directed program must take into account the biology of the species; from reproductive biology and physiology, to behavior and social factors, to environmental parameters and cues. In addition, the incorporation of technology, integrated communication and firmly established corroboration is critical to the program. The primary goal of this program is to sustain the aquarium industry while providing important husbandry and biological information. |
|
The Use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Breeding Programs for Elasmobranchs in Aquaria Jonathan Daly & Robert Jones, Melbourne Aquarium, The Aquarium Vet Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Despite the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in terrestrial and aquatic species, very little work has been done with elasmobranchs. ARTs such as sperm collection and quality assessment, sperm cryopreservation, artificial insemination, and monitoring female reproductive condition and gestation could potentially be used to complement existing breeding programs for elasmobranchs in aquaria. As a greater emphasis is placed on self-sustaining aquarium populations, ARTs will become an increasingly important component of breeding programs for elasmobranchs in aquaria. Ongoing research at Melbourne Aquarium, Australia, since 2004, aims to create a basis for future use of ARTs in elasmobranchs in aquaria worldwide. |
Ultrasound Assessment of Pregnant Ribbontail Stingrays (Taeniura lymma):
Can Fetal Growth Evaluation Predict Delivery Dates? Núria Baylina, Oceanário de Lisboa Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Captive breeding of Taeniura lymma is not a very common occurrence. Knowledge related to foetus development and gestation period is scarce. Oceanário de Lisboa keeps a breeding group of 4 females and 1 male since May 2009. Pregnancies (8 until the end of 2012) have been followed by serial ultrasound examinations to evaluate foetal vitality, number and growth. In each ultrasound evaluation, all or some of the following foetal measurements (height – body, fin base, brain cavity; diameter – eye and yolk sac) have been performed to statistically assess if foetal growth evolution can be used to predict delivery dates. |
Ovariectomy of Sub-adult Southern Rays (Dasyatis americana) to Prevent Future Reproductive Problems? Robert H. George, Ripley's Aquariums Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In aquariums as well as in the wild, female Southern rays are reproductively active and are seldom ungravida as they are impregnated within days of parturition. The uterus never undergoes involution and the ray's ovary is constantly producing follicles. To decrease the overproduction of rays many aquaria have resorted to single sex exhibits. When there are no males to impregnate the female her uterus continues to act as if she is gravid, and produces a large amount of histotrophb. This histotroph accumulation leads to an extreme mucometra. Follicle production without ovulation and fertilization causes the ovary to become cystic. To prevent reproductive disorders in a single sex collection; ovariectomy of our juvenile female rays is being pursued. The left para-lumbar area is sanitized and an incision is made parallel to the spinal column. The cranial portion of the ovary and the enveloping oviduct are clamped and ligated. The suspensory ligament from the ovary that runs along the mid line is transected. The caudal pole of the ovary is broadly attached to the cranial end of the epigonal gland and is bluntly separated. The peritoneum and skin are each sutured with 3-O PDS in a simple interrupted pattern. Sutures are removed one month after surgery. The rays recover rapidly and feed within hours of the surgery. To date there have been no post-surgical complications. A surgical limitation is acquiring patients of the appropriate size and reproductive status. |
|
Reproductive Success of Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinata) at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas
Michelle Liu, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The smalltooth sawfish is one of the most endangered fish in the world and is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Atlantis, Paradise Island has displayed smalltooth sawfish for 18 years and has been working on their breeding program for several years. In 2012 Atlantis achieved a major milestone as the first facility in the world to have reproductive success of this species. With only 13 smalltooth sawfish in zoological facilities around the world and with wild populations declining at a rapid rate, this is an extremely critical first step in creating a sustainable managed population. |
Husbandry of Giant Manta Rays (Manta birostris) at Atlantis,
Paradise Island, Bahamas Keisha Russell, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Until recent years, few facilities have been able to successfully exhibit giant manta rays. Since 2000, Atlantis, Paradise Island has acquired and displayed 11 Giant Manta Rays. This experience has enabled our facility the unique opportunity to observe how mantas behave, feed and interact with each other, each displaying distinguishing characteristics and different personalities. Other facilities seeking to display these animals will benefit through shared husbandry techniques and lessons learned from the challenges faced in exhibiting this species. |
Captive Breeding of the Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) Jack Jewell, Shark Reef Aquarium Mandalay Bay Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The captive breeding of elasmobranchs has been a desired goal in public aquaria for many years. Recent advances in exhibit spaces and increased holding along with advances in husbandry techniques and animal health care have increasingly made this possible. The births of 23 sandbar shark pups at Shark Reef, since 2009, has allowed us to investigate factors that may provide a platform for a better understanding of the captive reproduction of carcharhinid species. The use of temperature fluctuation, early capture, U/S, suitable holding of adult females as well as feeding and husbandry of neonates (including housing spatial requirements) are valuable tools in this process. Conditioning and transport of pups is another critical topic and with the placement of 17 pups at facilities in the Western U.S. this is the first step in providing sustainable collections for AZA facilities. |
|
Captive Reproduction of the Pacific Angel Shark (Squatina californica) Michael Grassmann, Aquarium of the Bay Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In May of 2009, seven Pacific angel shark (Squatina californica) pups were born at the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco, California. This report is the first case of successful captive-breeding for the species. For over three years, data were regularly collected on each shark’s length, weight, average consumption, percent body weight consumed, and growth rates. Careful observations about behavior and animal health were also recorded. The data collected on these specimens offer a unique opportunity to closely observe the early stages of age-related growth in Pacific angel sharks and collect information about successful animal care practices for this species. |
Reproduction and Husbandry of Captive Zebra Sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum)
Lise Watson, John G. Shedd Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Zebra sharks are becoming more popular in public aquaria due to their size and appearance. Both in USA and Europe studbooks have been started to be able to manage the population and to increase reproductive efforts. Compiling husbandry knowledge on this species is a help to increase the standards of husbandry practice and in the end creating healthy sustainable captive population in public aquaria independent from incoming wild born animals. The paper covers the results of a questionnaire sent to public aquaria, which keep this species. The main subjects covered will be reproductive success, feeding strategies, health issues and treatments and husbandry of hatchlings. The results of breeding and non-breeding facilities are compared. Concluding remarks will be given that might help to understand the success of captive breeding in zebra sharks. |
Successful Reproduction of Spotted Eagle Rays (Aetobatus narinari) Allison Corwin & Denise Swider, Disney’s The Seas, Discovery Cove Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Spotted eagle rays, Aetobatus narinari (Euphrasen, 1790), are commonly maintained in aquariums around the world. Despite their prevalence, only a few facilities, including Disney’s The Seas® and Discovery Cove, have been successful in breeding this species. To determine what factors make certain aquariums more successful at breeding spotted eagle rays, data was compiled from multiple facilities to better quantify key factors, such as breeding pair morphometrics, population ratio, exhibit size, diet, and behavioral husbandry. In addition, characteristics of a successful spotted eagle ray pregnancy were also identified, including physical and behavioral observations made during pregnancy, as well as the husbandry, medical, and nutritional needs of pregnant females. The end goal of this synopsis was to establish some basic guidelines for a successful spotted eagle ray breeding program, which will aid in the conservation of this species. |
|
Reproduction and Husbandry of the Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus)
Jean P. Catteau, Marineland Antibes Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The first of April 1996 saw the opening of a two million litres seawater aquarium in Marineland Antibes. In March of the same year, seven wild brown sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus) and four sand tiger sharks had arrived from Florida. Seventeen years later, twenty-six reproductive cycles have produced more than two hundred pups of Carcharhinus plumbeus and our first F2 sharks arrived in 2010. Today more than seventy sharks born at Marineland were transferred to aquariums around the world. Topics covered during the presentation will include husbandry, reproduction (mating, gestation, delivery) and animal care. |
Full Abstract
Over the past few years advances and improvements in life support, husbandry, capture, and transportation of elasmobranchs have permitted a dramatic broadening of the sizes and species of captive elasmobranchs on exhibit. One easily overlooked aspect associated with these “enhanced” collections is an appropriate de-accession plan. In addition to the “til death do us part” paradigm of holding these animals indefinitely, there are really only three options: 1) transfer to another facility; 2) release to the wild, and 3) euthanasia. Each has its own set of advantages, disadvantages, and opportunities. |
Specialist Group Report 1: AZA Studbook for the Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharias taurus)
Chris Schreiber, Georgia Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
No abstract |
|
Specialist Group Report 2: Sawfishes AZA Studbook / IUCN Report / Video
Paula Branshaw Carlson, Dallas World Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
No abstract |