New shark species discovered in Indonesia
New shark species discovered in Indonesia
Rhett A. Butler, mongabay.com
February 28, 2007
Scientists discovered at least 20 previously unknown species in the first comprehensive survey of Indonesia’s sharks and rays in nearly 150 years. Six of their discoveries have now been formally described, while the others will be documented in forthcoming scientific papers.
The five-year study was based on surveys of catches at local fish markets. The results have been published by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (CSIRO) in a 330-page, full-color, bilingual field guide entitled: Economically Important Sharks and Rays of Indonesia.
Hortle’s Whipray, a species found only in West Papua, off the coast of New Guinea. Image courtesy of CSIRO. |
“Indonesia has the most diverse shark and ray fauna and the largest shark and ray fishery in the world, with reported landings of more than 100 000 tonnes a year,” says one of the guide’s co-authors, Dr William White of CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research. “Before this survey, however, there were vast gaps in our knowledge of sharks and rays in this region.
“Good taxonomic information is critical to managing shark and ray species, which reproduce relatively slowly and are extremely vulnerable to over-fishing. It provides the foundation for estimating population sizes, assessing the effects of fishing and developing plans for fisheries management and conservation.”
CSIRO says the work is the most complete survey of Indonesia’s sharks and rays since Dutch scientist Pieter Bleeker described more than 1100 fish species in 1842—1860.
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This article is based on a news release from CSIRO.