Researchers working on sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras are invited to contribute to a Frontiers in Fish Science Topic exploring new approaches to elasmobranch research and conservation in regions where long-term ecological and fisheries data remain limited.
The Research Topic, Innovative Conservation Strategies for Elasmobranchs in Data-Poor Regions, brings together research and practical approaches addressing an important challenge in contemporary elasmobranch science: how can effective research, management and conservation strategies be developed when the data traditionally used to inform them are limited?
The collection is now open for submissions from researchers working in data-poor regions around the world.
Scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini)Â Image: BCSS
Why Research from Data-Poor Regions Matters
Sharks, rays and other elasmobranchs occur across marine ecosystems worldwide, but the scientific information available to understand their populations, distributions and responses to environmental change varies considerably between regions.
This is particularly relevant across parts of the Western Indian Ocean, where important shark and ray habitats coexist with significant gaps in long-term ecological datasets.
Strengthening the evidence available from these regions can improve our understanding of how elasmobranch populations use different habitats, respond to environmental variability and change over time.
Research from Mozambique is already helping address some of these gaps.
Recent work led by Dercio Maoze and collaborators, involving BCSS and partner organisations, used two decades of citizen-science observations to examine spatial biases and conservation gaps for elasmobranchs along the Mozambican coast.Â
Read Dercio’s Paper here: Two decades of citizen science reveal spatial biases and conservation gaps for elasmobranchs along the Mozambican coast
Reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) Image: Orlando Miranda & Salvador Colveé
BCSS and the Research Topic
BCSS is proud to announce that Dr Mario Lebrato, Ocean Observatory & Station Manager at the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, has joined Dr Simon Oliver of the University of Chester as Topic Editor for a new Frontiers Research Topic dedicated to advancing innovative approaches to shark and ray conservation in data-poor regions.Â
Published in Frontiers in Fish Science, within the Elasmobranch Science section, the Research Topic ‘Innovative Conservation Strategies for Elasmobranchs in Data-Poor Regions’ brings together researchers working to address one of the major challenges in contemporary elasmobranch science: how can effective research, management and conservation strategies be developed where long-term ecological and fisheries data are limited?Â
The topic is now open for submissions, inviting researchers working with sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras to contribute research and practical approaches from data-poor regions around the world.
Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos)Â Image: Daniel Escayola
A Call for Research
The Frontiers Research Topic is seeking contributions exploring innovative conservation strategies for elasmobranchs in data-poor regions.
Researchers working in this field are encouraged to explore the full Research Topic and consider contributing their work.
Key deadlines:
Summary deadline: 8 October 2026
Manuscript deadline: 26 January 2027
The Research Topic is also supported by High Impact Award funding, with a limited number of Article Processing Charge waivers available to support relevant contributions.
Researchers interested in participating can explore the full scope, submission information and editorial team through the Frontiers Research Topic page:
Innovative Conservation Strategies for Elasmobranchs in Data-Poor Regions
BCSS congratulates Dr Simon Oliver and Dr Mario Lebrato on this collaboration and looks forward to seeing the research, perspectives and practical approaches that emerge from the collection.
Learn More and Contribute
BCSS looks forward to supporting the Research Topic and seeing the research, perspectives and practical approaches that emerge from scientists working across data-poor regions.
More information:
For questions about this article, please contact:Â
Ekaterina Kalashnikova, Bazaruto Archipelago – Ocean Observatory Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies ekaterina.kalashnikova@bcssmz.org Â
To get in touch and collaborate with our research Center , please visit https://bcssmz.org/logistical-support-consultancy/ Â
To learn more about our Scientific Training Program, please see https://bcssmz.org/scientific-training-program/ Â