@article{fdi:010065452,
  title = {{U}nravelling the ecological role and trophic relationships of uncommon and threatened elasmobranchs in the western {M}editerranean {S}ea},
  author = {{B}arria, {C}. and {C}oll, {M}arta and {N}avarro, {J}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{D}eficiencies in basic ecological information on uncommon and endangered elasmobranch fishes impair the assessment of their ecological role in marine ecosystems. {I}n this study, we examined the feeding ecology (diet composition and trophic level) and trophic relationships of 22 elasmobranchs (2 {C}archarhiniformes, 1 {H}exanchiformes, 1 {L}amniformes, 3 {M}yliobatiformes, 6 {R}ajiformes, 6 {S}qualiformes and 3 {T}orpediniformes) present in the western {M}editerranean {S}ea. {T}o obtain a comprehensive view of the feeding ecology of these species, we combined different approaches: stable isotope analyses (delta {C}-13 and delta {N}-15 values), stomach content analyses and published sources. {O}ur results revealed differences in feeding strategies among elasmobranch groups: skates ({R}ajiformes) mainly consume crustaceans; sharks ({C}archarhiniformes, {H}exanchiformes, {S}qualiformes and {L}amniformes) prefer mixed diets composed of cephalopods, crustaceans and fishes; electric rays ({T}orpediniformes) feed mostly on fishes; and the diet of stingrays ({M}yliobatiformes) varies between species. {S}harks and electric rays show higher trophic positions than skates, and the former occupy similar positions to other apex predators. {S}kates are more similar to other mesopredator fishes. {T}hese new findings offer essential information on the ecological role of several elasmobranchs in the western {M}editerranean {S}ea and provide useful data for managers for future conservation strategies.},
  keywords = {{M}editerranean {S}ea ; {R}ays ; {S}harks ; {S}kates ; {S}pecies at risk ; {S}table isotopes ; {T}rophic ecology ; {T}rophic level ; {MEDITERRANEE} ; {BALEARES} {MER} ; {LION} {GOLFE}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{M}arine {E}cology {P}rogress {S}eries},
  volume = {539},
  numero = {},
  pages = {225--240},
  ISSN = {0171-8630},
  year = {2015},
  DOI = {10.3354/meps11494},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010065452},
}