Immediate and delayed changes to survival, physiology, reproduction and movement of chondrichthyans following capture stress

Fisheries bycatch has a massive impact on animal populations worldwide, with shark species particularly vulnerable. We propose to identify the changes that occur to survival, physiology, reproduction and behaviour of native chondrichthyans (sharks, rays and holocephalans) when they are affected by capture. It is vital to understand the biological changes that occur following stress and to understand the potential impacts that fisheries capture has on them, in order to better manage fishing practices to promote the sustainability of chondrichthyans. We will use an innovative combination of at-sea data collection, laboratory studies and real-time tracking to determine what immediate and delayed effects occur as a consequence of capture.