ABSTRACT
The previous chapter described the status, conservation efforts and threats posed to three iconic chondrichthyan species. These species have been historically difficult to study due to their relative low abundance and pelagic habitat. More recently, however, an increased understanding of their spatio-temporal distribution has allowed us to identify seasonal aggregation patterns of these species (Domeier, 2012; Rowat and Brooks, 2012). This, in turn, has facilitated an increase in the number of scientific studies investigating these animals (see also Chapter 5). White sharks, whale sharks and basking sharks are the focus of an increasing amount of scientific attention. For example, in the last six years, approximately 16 papers on Rhincodon typus have been published per year, compared to fewer than three papers per year between 1992 and 2005 (Sequeira et al, 2013). White sharks, whale sharks and basking sharks have also been the focus of species-specific conferences (e.g. an international white shark symposium in Hawaii in 2010 (Domeier, 2012), an Isle of Man basking shark conference in 2009 and whale sharks have recently had their third conference dedicated to the species in Atlanta, United States).
