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Profile of Phoebe Hill, PhD candidate (The University of Sydney)
120 tonnes of shovelnose ray are landed every year in NSW, but no information exists on stock status, reproductive biology or ecology. Sharks and stingrays generally have a low reproductive output and therefore are very vulnerable to overfishing. Knowledge of reproductive parameters such as length at maturity, number of young and length and timing of pregnancy are vital for appropriate management of any fishery. Some species of shark and ray have been overfished to near extinction due to lack of data on reproductive cycles and output.
Sharks and rays have an amazing array of reproductive modes. The majority of sharks and rays are live bearing like humans, however, just under half of all species lay eggs like birds. Within the incubation environment, be it an egg shell or the uterus, oxygen is the most important factor in offspring survival.
The aim of Phoebe Hill’s project is to describe the reproductive biology and embryonic development of the shovelnose ray, in particular how the embryo gets enough oxygen and nutrients within the incubation environment. This project will contribute to improved management of this high risk fishery as well as provide important information on reproductive biology, information currently critical to the NSW shark breeding program, and subsequent conservation of shark and ray species. The project will also contribute to understanding the bigger evolutionary picture in the evolution of live bearing animals.
For more information contact the researcher
The Marine Coastal Community Network can help put the media in touch with marine scientists & researchers in our academic institutions in Australia. If you would like more information on a particular marine & coastal conservation issue and would like to speak to a professional marine scientist, we may be able to help you. Contact us with your specific request:
Dr Fiona Mandelc
E: nc@mccn.org.au
