Looking at Elasmobranch BMI

Global chondrichthyan populations, sharks, rays, and chimaeras, are currently facing an unprecedented extinction crisis. Recent assessments indicate that over one-third of all species are threatened with extinction, a figure that has more than doubled in the last decade. These species play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Bianca Mairs delves into the relationship between length and weight in South African sharks and rays, helping scientists better estimate population health and abundance. The findings contribute important data that support evidence-based fisheries management and conservation planning.

ABOUT BIANCA MAIRS

Bianca Mairs is a BSc Honours student at Nelson Mandela University researching shark and ray ecology in South Africa. A Plettenberg Bay local, scuba instructor and conservation ecologist, she has worked on marine conservation projects internationally and is passionate about advancing ocean science while sharing her love of the marine environment with others.