An integrated multi-source dataset of elasmobranchs in the Red Sea following the Red Sea Decade Expedition
Red Sea elasmobranch populations are facing alarming declines. Effective conservation efforts require management strategies informed by extensive datasets and by developing an understanding of distribution patterns within the basin, which is currently lacking. This study introduces CERSE (Central and Eastern Red Sea Elasmobranchs), a comprehensive compilation of elasmobranch observations in the central and eastern Red Sea basin following the route of the Red Sea Decade Expedition. The data set was curated from surveys conducted during two scientific cruises, a time-series survey within Red Sea Global project areas (Tabuk province), and observations extracted from peer-reviewed literature. Through the use of diverse methodologies, we provide a holistic view of elasmobranchs distribution in the region, for a total of 2,847 sightings recorded. By consolidating dispersed information from across the region, this dataset forms a comprehensive foundation for future research and monitoring endeavors focused on elasmobranch fauna, and will serve as a cornerstone for informing targeted conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding endangered elasmobranch species in this region.
Authors
- Shannon G. Klein (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8190-3188)
- Vincent A. Pieribone (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5836-5454)
- Silvia Arossa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5895-9877)
- Mattie Rodrigue
- Luis Silva (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8434-6559)
- Collin T. Williams (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1595-1223)
- Alkiviadis Kalampokis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5619-5407)
- Burton H. Jones (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9599-1593)
- Oliver N. Shipley (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5163-3471)
- Olivia F. L. Dixon (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4326-2903)
- Tadzio Bervoets
- Royale S. Hardenstine (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4693-7045)
- Ivor D. Williams (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9444-1020)
- Austin J. Gallagher (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1515-3440)
- Alexandra Steckbauer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8477-2256)
- Carlos Manuel Duarte (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1213-1361)
- Sofia Frappi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0184-5537)
- Mohammad A. Qurban
- Ioana-Andreea Ciocanaru
- Sander D. den Haring
Institutions
- Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation (SA)
- Red Sea Global (Saudi Arabia)
- Stony Brook University (US)
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (SA)
- Red Sea University (SD)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Scientific Data
- Published
- 2024-12-23
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-04262-4
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Ichthyology and Marine Biology
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.38
Funders
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology