Title:

A proposal for modeling elasmobranch populations

Elasmobranchs, comprising sharks and rays, face significant threats from overfishing and exploitation due to their broad distribution, late maturity, and low fecundity. While marine protected areas offer sanctuary, elasmobranchs remain vulnerable outside these zones, particularly in unprotected coastal regions where they are subject to fishing and bycatch. Ecological models illuminate habitat use, abundance, and population dynamics of elasmobranchs, shedding light on their decline or recovery. Cocos Island, Costa Rica, presents a particular case study for ecological processes in large elasmobranch populations. Leveraging extensive underwater visual survey data, we aim to model the elasmobranch population in this marine protected area using a Bayesian approach. By integrating known and unknown life history traits and environmental interactions, our model seeks to forecast future population trends, aiding in the effective management and conservation of elasmobranch populations worldwide.

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