Habitat partitioning and vulnerability of sharks in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

摘要: Sharks present a critical conservation challenge, but little is known about their spatial distribution and vulnerability, particularly in complex seascapes such as Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP). We review (1) the of shark species among primary habitats GBRMP (coral reefs, inshore/shelf, pelagic deep-water habitats) (2) relative exploitation each by fisheries, (3) how current catch rates interact with vulnerability trophic index. Excluding rays chimaeras, we identify total 82 GBRMP. find that research has yielded quantitative information on most species. sharks are largely site-fidelic, can move large distances some regularly use non-reef habitats. Inshore shelf coastal either exclusively or during specific times life cycle (e.g. nurseries). Virtually nothing habitat GBRMP's sharks. At least 46 (53.5 %) caught one more stock assessments lacking for most. 17 considered highly vulnerable to exploitation. argue users resources should be responsible demonstrating fishery sustainable before allowed commence continue. This fundamental change management principle will safeguard against collapses have characterised many fisheries.