Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park: the first comprehensive elasmobranch assessment reveals global hotspot for reef sharks

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest no-take marine protected area (MPA) in the Philippines, has been identified as a global hotspot for reef sharks. This study, the first comprehensive assessment of elasmobranchs in TRNP, reveals some of the highest densities of grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) and whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) worldwide. Using underwater visual census (UVC) and baited remote underwater video (BRUV) surveys conducted between 2015 and 2016, researchers documented eight species via UVC with an average density of 7.18 sharks per hectare, while BRUV surveys recorded 14 species at a catch rate of 2.09 elasmobranchs per hour. The findings underscore the critical role of large, well-managed MPAs like TRNP in conserving reef-associated elasmobranch populations amid global declines driven by anthropogenic stressors.

Murray, R., Conales, S., Araujo, G., Labaja, J., Snow, S. J., Pierce, S. J., Songco, A., & Ponzo, A. (2019). Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park: the first comprehensive elasmobranch assessment reveals global hotspot for reef sharks. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity, 12(1), 49–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2018.09.009