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Article: A novel statistical method for validating the periodicity of vertebral growth band formation in elasmobranch fishes.(Report)
- Article from:
- Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
- Article date:
- May 1, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 NRC Research Press. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Introduction
Elasmobranch species (sharks, skates, and rays) are mostly large vertebrates with long life spans, late maturity, and low fecundity, which renders them vulnerable to perturbations imposed by external factors such as fisheries (Musick et al. 2000). Recent reports have shown that shark populations have declined worldwide as commercial fisheries have expanded (Baum et al. 2003; Baum and Myers 2004; Ward and Myers 2005). These reports may have had a substantial influence on several recent conservation decisions. However, some shark scientists commented that their analyses were inadequate and did not capture the complete picture of all shark populations ...