Work

Demographic Characteristics of Elasmobranch Fishes in the Khor Faridah Region (Abu Dhabi) Using a Stereo-BRUVS Approach

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The elasmobranch fauna was studied in the Khor Faridah region of Abu Dhabi, which is a mangrove-dominated inshore habitat historically reported to host a diversity of elasmobranch species. A stereo-baited remote underwater video system (Stereo-BRUVS) survey was conducted from September 2021 to August 2022 to assess the species diversity and relative abundance of elasmobranch fishes. A total of 12 elasmobranch taxa were encountered during the study, consisting of five rays (Myliobatiformes), four sharks (Selachii), two wedgefish and one guitarfish (Rhinopristiformes). The area was dominated by honeycomb-patterned rays in the genus Himantura and the Critically Endangered Arabic whipray Maculabatis arabica. Since Himantura uarnak and H. leoparda could not be reliably distinguished from footage, all sex- and size-based results are reported for a combined Himantura species complex and should be interpreted cautiously. Furthermore, the broad size range of individuals found in the area highlights its importance to all life stages of these taxa. This underlines the need for a conservation strategy to avoid detrimental changes to the elasmobranch fauna due to ongoing coastal development.

Source: Diversity

DOI: 10.3390/d18010029

Authors: Stephan Bruns, Shamsa Al Hameli, Aaron C. Henderson

Institutions: United Arab Emirates University, School for Field Studies, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, Atlantic Technological University

Language: English

Topic: Ichthyology and Marine Biology

Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,534