Sharks, Skates, Rays and Chimeras of British Columbia

by Jackie King, Gordon McFarlane, Andy Murch (Photographer), Gavin Hanke (Foreword by)

Overview

Much fear of sharks is driven by media reports or films that sensationalize shark attacks, despite the rarity of such occurrences. With contributors ranging from Briony Penn to David Suzuki, Gary Geddes and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, this collection provides the most accurate and up-to-date information on chondrichthyans in British Columbia waters, including detailed species descriptions and identification information. Sharks, Skates, Rays and Chimeras of British Columbia presents sharks and their relatives as valuable members of our coastal fish community, worthy of respect, study, admiration, and protection.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780772673350
Publisher:	The Royal British Columbia Museum
Publication date:	05/29/2020
Series:	Royal BC Museum Handbook
Edition description:	None
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Gordon McFarlane is a scientist emeritus at the Pacific Biological Station. Dr. Jackie King is a research scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo, BC. Andy Murch is the CEO and expedition leader at Big Fish Expeditions.

Table of Contents

Foreword Gavin Hanke ix

Preface xi

Biology 1

What are chondrichthyans? 1

Taxonomy 1

Morphology 3

Reproductive biology 4

Role in the ecosystem 6

Conservation and Management in British Columbia 9

Conservation 9

Management 12

Fisheries 15

Global catch statistics 15

BC fisheries 16

Difficulty in assessing stock status 19

Research in British Columbia 21

How do we study elasmobranchs? 21

Age determination 21

Species distribution 25

Feeding studies 28

Citizen science 29

From Feared and Loathed to Loved 31

Changing attitudes…from destruction to conservation 31

Ecotourism 33

Challenges for the Future 35

Key to the Species 37

Species Descriptions 45

Sharks 47

Order Hexanchiformes (Cow sharks and frill sharks) 49

Bluntnose sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus) 51

Broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) 55

Order Squaliformes (Dogfish sharks) 59

Pacific spiny dogfish (Squalus suckleyi) 61

Pacific sleeper shark (Somniosus pacificus) 67

Lanternsharks (Etmopteridae) 71

Order Squatiniformes (Angel sharks) 73

Pacific angel shark (Squatina californica) 75

Order Lamniformes (Mackerel sharks) 79

Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) 81

Shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) 85

Salmon shark (Lamna ditropis) 87

Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) 91

Common thresher shark (Aiopios vulpinus) 97

Order Carcharhiniformes (Ground sharks) 99

Brown catshark (Apristurus brunneus) 101

Tope (soupfin) shark (Galeorhinus galeus) 103

Blue shark (Prionace glauca) 107

Smooth hammerhead shark (Sphyrna zygaena) 111

Skates and Rays 115

Order Rajiformes (Skates and rays) 117

Deepsea skate (Bathyraja abyssicola) 123

Aleutian skate (Bathyraja aleutica) 125

Sandpaper skate (Bathyraja kincaidii) 127

Fine-spined skate (Bathyraja microtrachys) 131

Bering skate (Bathyraja interrupta) 133

Roughfail skate (Bathyraja trachura) 135

Alaska skate (Bathyraja parmifera) 137

Commander skate (Bathyraja lindbergi) 141

Whitebrow skate (Bathyraja minispinosa) 143

Pacific white skate (Bathyraja spinosissima) 145

Broad skate (Ambiyraja badia) 147

Big skate (Beringraja binoculata) 149

Longnose skate (Raja rhina) 153

Starry skate (Raja stellulata) 157

California skate (Raja inornata) 161

Pacific torpedo (electric) ray (Tefronarce californica) 163

Pelagic stingray (Pteroplatytrygon violacea) 167

Chimeras 171

Order Chimaenformes (Chimeras) 173

White-spotted raffish (Hydrolagus colliei) 175

Glossary 179

Bibliography 191

Credits 205

Index 207

Editorial Reviews

"Sharks, Skates, and Rays of British Columbia is an indispensable guide to an incredible and misunderstood group of animals. In addition to a guidebook that will introduce BC residents to the many fascinating species that live in or visit our waters, this book also contains an introduction to key scientific and conservation principles associated with sharks and their relatives. Full of great information and beautiful photographs, this book is a must-have for marine biologists and fish lovers alike!" —Dr. David Shiffman, Marine conservation biologist, former Simon Fraser University Liber Ero Postdoctoral Research Fellow


"The more we come to know about and appreciate the lives of some of our lesser-known sea creatures the better we, as a society, can protect their—and our—future. Kudos to Gordon and Jackie for the considerable time, effort, and expertise that goes into generating such a publication, and Andy’s photographic vision that brings the species to life. The smart use of “Quick Bite” references allows us a glimpse of the importance of these species to local First Nations and provides the reader with meaningful local coastal connections. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity read this and realize it will be valuable to researchers, commercial fishermen, and the public—especially children." —W.E. Lorne Clayton, Executive director, Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation, and co-owner, IEC International


"Who knew that there could be so many different sharks, skates, rays and chimeras in British Columbia waters! This eye-opening handbook and field guide, which combines amazing photographs and insightful species information, provides just the type of information most valued by divers, naturalists, commercial and sport fishers, fish biologists and managers, or indeed anyone interested in marine life. Sharks, skates and their relatives are truly fascinating creatures, and this handbook highlights their diversity off the west coast of Canada." —Dr. Steven Campana, Professor of Fisheries, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland


"Detailed, thorough, comprehensive and wonderfully illustrated. This compendium of up-to-date information on sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras of British Columbia is authored by well-known and respected scientists with a wealth of personal experiences and expertise. The background biological information is easily understandable, the treatment of each species provides a guide to understanding the unexpectedly wide and surprising diversity of this group of animals in Canadian waters, and the exceptional photographs by Andy Murch make this a standout addition to any library for scientists and non-scientists alike." —Dr. Jeffrey C. Carrier, Professor Emeritus of Biology, Albion College, and Senior Editor of Biology of Sharks and Their Relatives


"The authors have assembled an impressive compendium. After spending a lifetime at sea commercial fishing, I find this book provides valuable insight for ecological and fisheries scientists, managers and resource harvesters to consider when assessing how best to conserve and sustain these important species. The authors’ contributions to this subject reflect years of experience and dedication to improving our understanding and relationship with aquatic ecosystems." —Brian Mose, Executive director, Deep Sea Trawlers Association


"Sharks, Skates, Rays and Chimeras of British Columbia is a long-overdue book on a diverse group of species found on our coast. This handbook is accessible to any reader and strikes the perfect balance of scientific detail, history, conservation, imagery and useful facts. Despite the comprehensive review, it left me contemplating how little we truly understand. Anyone interested in the natural history of British Columbia’s marine life should have this on their shelf." —Scott Wallace, Senior research scientist, David Suzuki Foundation

"This is a book I'll be picking up frequently. It can be opened at any page and enjoyed and can quickly be consulted for reference. . . The information is balanced and the book is beautifully packaged, full of colour and very accessible print." —Cherie Thiessen, Pacific Yachting

From the Publisher