Integrating the findings from this special issue and suggestions for future conservation efforts – A brief synopsis
Abstract The populations of several elasmobranch species have experienced a marked decline over the past several decades. Such declines may be attributed to the unsustainable harvest of these animals in combination with their K-selected life-history characteristics. To help reduce this mortality typically associated with commercial fisheries and beach nets, scientists have employed the use of electrosensory and chemical stimuli as elasmobranch deterrents. This paper describes the findings from several studies that assess elasmobranch deterrent efficacy, briefly integrates these findings, and provides useful insight for future conservation approaches.