Overfishing and habitat loss drive range contraction of iconic marine fishes to near extinction
Helen F. Yan, Peter M. Kyne, Rima W. Jabado, Ruth H. Leeney, Lindsay N. K. Davidson, Danielle H. Derrick, Brittany Finucci, Robert P. Freckleton, Sonja V. Fordham, Nicholas K. Dulvy
Abstract
= 46). Using dynamic geography theory, we predict that sawfishes are gone from at least nine additional nations. Overfishing and habitat loss have reduced spatial occupancy, leading to local extinctions in 55 of the 90 nations, which equates to 58.7% of their historical distribution. Retention bans and habitat protections are urgently necessary to secure a future for sawfishes and similar species.
Topics & Concepts
OverfishingOccupancyHabitatEndangered speciesHabitat destructionExtinction (optical mineralogy)Critically endangeredRange (aeronautics)GeographyEcologyLocal extinctionFisheryBiological dispersalBiologyFishingPopulationComposite materialSociologyPaleontologyDemographyMaterials scienceIchthyology and Marine BiologyMarine animal studies overviewCoral and Marine Ecosystems Studies