The investigation of species-specific habitat preference can provide a basis for successful conservation effort. Several policies are used to secure protection for elasmobranchs, based on the gained knowledge, new approaches to design marine protected areas (MPAs) linked to elasmobranchs conservation can be implemented. The present study examined elasmobranch abundance, diversity and habitat use with baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) in the Turks and Caicos Islands over a two year period. Habitats including the coral reef towards the open ocean and the relatively sheltered sandflats. Overall, eight elasmobranch species, six shark species and two batoids of the order Myliobatiformes were recorded. Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi) and nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) were the most abundant species (>75% elasmobranch abundance). Results showed a greater abundance in the coral reef (1.03 elasmobranchs*h -1), in compare with the sandflats (0.46 elasmobranchs*hr-1). Analyses estimated difference in pattern of habitat use between species, where different species show a preference for one habitat type and others are more evenly distributed. The two areas where coral reef and sandflats interfaced displayed the greatest diversity and abundance. The effectiveness of MPAs is more likely to benefit local elasmobranch population, if they are designed to encompass different habitat types.
Managing Thesis and Internship Exchanges
