Life-history traits of batoids (Superorder Batoidea) in the Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean

Abstract Life-history traits provide a way to estimate the vulnerability of both individuals and populations species disturbance (e.g., overexploitation, climate change). compilations for batoids in Northeast Atlantic (NEA) Mediterranean Sea (MED) are scarce, outdated, generally limited local or regional scale. A literature review compiling values 10 life-history describing growth, reproductive feeding strategies 14 NEA MED was performed. Via principal components analysis (PCA) main drivers variance (groups of) similar were identified. Significant data gaps revealed natural mortality lifespan, most small-eyed ( Raja microocellata ), shagreen Leucoraja fullonica sandy circularis ) ray, specifically English Channel Bay Biscay. The common skate complex Dipturus batis white Rostroraja alba found be different from rest due their larger sizes, relatively slow late maturity, which may make them more vulnerable while spp. rays tend smaller growing at faster rates. Growth should considered as proxies, used update/establish management measures (i.e. minimum size) enhance stock assessment predictive ability length based-indicators). Future research directed towards filling important providing robust estimation unreported parameters, such mortality.