Extinction risk, reconstructed catches and management of chondrichthyan fishes in the Western Central Atlantic Ocean

Chondrichthyan fishes are among the most threatened vertebrates on planet because many species have slow life histories that outpaced by intense fishing. The Western Central Atlantic Ocean, which includes Greater Caribbean, is a hotspot of chondrichthyan biodiversity and abundance, but has been characterized extensive shark ray fisheries lack sufficient data for effective management conservation. To inform future research decisions, we analysed patterns in extinction risk, reconstructed catches engagement this region. We summarized risk 180 sharks, rays chimaeras, including 66 endemic 14 near-endemic species, using contemporary IUCN Red List assessments. Over one-third (35.6%) were assessed as Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered, primarily due to overfishing. Reconstructed from 1950 2016 peaked 1992, then declined 40.2% thereafter. United States, Venezuela Mexico responsible region hosted largest proportions regional distributions largely having coastal habitats their Exclusive Economic Zones. quantity taxonomic resolution landings poor much region, national-level regulations varied widely across jurisdictions. Deepwater represent an emerging threat, although deepwater chondrichthyans currently refuge beyond depths fisheries. Regional collaboration well enforceable informed more complete data, particularly small-scale fisheries, required protect recover ensure sustainable