Elasmobranch biodiversity, conservation and management in Sabah (Malaysia)

The first detailed study of shark and ray (elasmobranch) biodiversity in Sabah, East Malaysia is presented. A large number of species (34 sharks and 35 rays) were identified during fish market visits and field surveys, 23 of which were new records for Sabah, including an undescribed river shark Glyphis sp. Several other species, some of which are probably also undescribed, could only be identified to genus level. New records were made throughout the study period, and the species list is certainly still incomplete. Information was also gathered on the geographical and seasonal distribution and abundance of several elasmobranchs. Of particular interest were the new records of elasmobranchs from some of the largest rivers, representing just some of the freshwater species confidently described by local fishermen. A reference collection is now available in Sabah to support future taxonomic studies and related research work. The project also 1)examined the socio-economic importance of elasmobranchs in subsistence and commercial fisheries; 2) provided educational materials to increase the local community's awareness of sharks and rays; 3) considered problems and opportunities for conservation and management (particularly concerning fisheries and habitat issues); and 3) concluded with an international workshop to develop recommendations for the conservation and management of elasmobranch populations and their critical habitats. The final workshop was also used to disseminate more widely both the results of the Sabah project and that of other elasmobranch research underway in the region. These data should provide the information needed by decision-makers to begin to advance elasmobranch conservation and management in Sabah and Malaysia, provide a sound basis for future taxonomic and ecological research in the region, and stimulate future studies in Sabah and other Malaysian States and nearby countries.