The use of acoustic and satellite telemetry to study elasmobranchs in Latin America: past efforts and future directions

Abstract

The study of marine animal movements is crucial for understanding the diversity of oceanic ecosystems and the fundamental role of each species. Today, acoustic and satellite telemetry are non-invasive methods that is widely used to track marine animals, including elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). Despite its importance, there is no systematic review assessing the use of telemetry in elasmobranch studies in Latin America. We conducted a literature review and analyzed 106 publications, of which the majority pertained to elasmobranch studies in Mexico (n = 60), Brazil (n =16), and Ecuador (n = 13). The predominant focus among studies was habitat use (n = 94). Pop-off satellite archival transmitting (PAT or PSAT) tags and smart position and temperature (SPOT) tags were primarily used for large spatial scale studies (i.e., migration). Acoustic telemetry was better suited for tracking long-term behavior over comparatively smaller spatial scales (e.g., regional movements). While successful cases exist in the literature, challenges remain due to the high financial costs, effort to maintain collaborative equipment, and limited research output in Latin America. Our findings highlight the need to enhance the application of telemetry data for effective elasmobranch management and conservation and reflect the importance of connecting research outcomes to practical actions amid ongoing management and conservation challenges.