Conservation Abstracts
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Stegastoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery (StAR) Project
Leah Neal Georgia Aquarium Full Abstract
Stegastoma tigrinum (Zebra shark) populations have undergone dramatic declines over the past 30 years, due to habitat degradation and targeted fishing for their fins throughout their range in the Indo-West Pacific. In 2016, they were classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. Paradoxically, zebra sharks (also known as e.g., Indo-Pacific leopard sharks) thrive and reproduce readily in public aquariums. The Raja Ampat archipelago contains an extensive network of well- enforced marine protected areas (MPAs) and a shark and ray sanctuary, established in 2012. However, zebra sharks remain functionally extinct in the region, in contrast to other elasmobranchs that are showing signs of recovery. This world-first conservation initiative leverages the expertise of the aquarium sector, conservation NGOs, and local communities to reinforce zebra shark populations throughout their historical range within Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Egg cases produced by aquariums have been shipped to two hatcheries in Raja Ampat. Indonesian husbandry staff, trained by aquarium staff, are rearing zebra sharks in tanks and sea pens until they reach 70 cm (~1 kg). Sharks have been tagged and released within designated MPAs and monitored for post- release survival and behavior. This project seeks to re-establish a self-sustaining, genetically diverse breeding population of zebra sharks in the Raja Ampat Archipelago, Indonesia. The husbandry working group worked to establish training manuals, design and commission life support systems, and train Indonesian biologists to be aquarists. |
Practical Pycnopodia
Propagation Pointers Ashley Kidd, Ben Morrow Sunflower Star Laboratory Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo Full Abstract
No abstract |
THREE NEW NAUTILUSES!
CONSERVATION PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Gregory Barord Central Campus Full Abstract
Three new species of nautiluses were recently described that had been lumped under the catch all species, Nautilus pompilius. These new species are distinct from other populations of nautiluses based upon their morphological and phylogenetic data. The new species designations are Nautilus vitiensis (Fiji), Nautilus vanuatuensis (Vanuatu), and Nautilus samoaensis (American Samoa). These new descriptions of nautiluses provide insight into the overall evolutionary relationship between extinct and extant nautiluses. However, what do these new species descriptions mean to current and future conservation efforts of nautiluses? Do they hinder or support previous management plans? Is there a role for zoos and aquariums to promote species conservation efforts for organisms not in their current collection? These questions are all important to address, not only for nautiluses, but for other species as well. As technology and our understanding of the natural world improves, are we setup to answer these questions, quickly and efficiently? |