Emergent research and priorities for shark and ray conservation

Over the past 4 decades there has been a growing concern for conservation status of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). In 2002, first elasmobranch species were added to Appendix II Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Wild Fauna Flora (CITES). Less than 20 yr later, 39 5 I. Despite concern, effective management remain challenged by lack data population many species, human?wildlife interactions, threats viability, efficacy approaches. We surveyed 100 most frequently published cited experts and, based ranked responses, prioritized research questions conservation. To address these questions, we then convened group 47 from 35 institutions 12 countries. The organized into following broad categories: (1) threats, (2) ecology, (3) management. For each section, sought synthesize existing knowledge, describe consensus or diverging views, identify gaps, suggest promising future directions priorities. resulting synthesis aggregates an array perspectives emergent priority