Elasmobranch Diversity at Reunion Island (Western Indian Ocean) and Catches by Recreational Fishers and a Shark Control Program

Elasmobranchs are declining worldwide due to overfishing. In developing countries and island states in tropical regions, small-scale recreational fisheries can significantly impact the dynamics of neritic species. We investigated elasmobranch diversity at Reunion Island, a marine biodiversity hotspot Western Indian Ocean. Combining information from literature, catches local shark control program, results survey fishing, through barcoding some specimens, we updated list elasmobranchs 65 However, uncertainties remain about actual presence species, such as three sawfish Results highlight disappearance most coral reef-associated already suspected. also suggest that populations scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) bottlenose wedgefish (Rhynchobatus australiae) seem healthy, contrast with their decline region. For bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) sharks, Island is site reproduction, such, species exploited both juvenile adult stages, which likely increases vulnerability. context global decline, it urgent clarify conservation status evaluate degree isolation identify research priorities.