Minorities in Shark Sciences: Diverse Voices in Shark Research

213 Pages·2022·32.462 MB·English

by  Jasmin Graham, Camila Caceres, Deborah Santos de Azevedo Menna

MINORITIES IN
SHARK SCIENCES
Minorities in Shark Sciences showcases the work done by Black,
Indigenous, and People of Color around the world in the fields of
shark science and conservation. Edited by three minority researchers,
it provides positive role models for the next generation. Highlighting
new and important research done in the fields of biology, ecology,
and evolution, the book places emphasis on scientists with diverse
backgrounds and expertise from around the world.
Despite the use of the term ‘Minorities’, most of the world’s population
do not identify as white nor male, and in fact all “minorities” together
comprise the global majority of humans. For those in these historically
underserved and underrepresented demographics, it is meaningful to be
highlighted and be given credit for their contributions. This book showcases
to the world the many Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGTBQ+
scientists leading marine conservation, both in terms of scientific research
and science communication.
It has been shown in the literature that diversity in scientists creates diversity
in thought, which leads to innovation. Strong minority voices are exactly
what is needed to bring greater attention to the conservation of sharks,
and this book illustrates innovative science by people who were historically
excluded from STEM. It highlights the unique perspectives these scientists
bring to their field that allow them to interact with stakeholders, particularly
in the areas of conservation and outreach.
As we continue to amplify these often-forgotten voices through research,
outreach and engagement, we hope to stimulate innovation and
transformative change in the field of shark conservation and marine
science.

MINORITIES
IN SHARK
SCIENCES
DIVERSE VOICES IN
SHARK RESEARCH
Edited by
Jasmin Graham
Camila Cáceres
Deborah Santos de Azevedo Menna
First edition published 2023
by CRC Press
6000 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487-2742
and by CRC Press
4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN
CRC Press is an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
© 2023 Jasmin Graham, Camila Cáceres, Deborah Santos de Azevedo Menna
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Library of Congress Cataloging‑in‑Publication Data
Names: Graham, Jasmin, editor.
Title: Minorities in shark sciences : diverse voices in shark research /
Jasmin Graham, Camila Caceres, Deborah Santos de Azevedo.
Description: First edition. | Boca Raton : CRC Press, 2023. | Includes
bibliographical references and index. | Summary: “This book showcases
the work done by Black, Indigenous and People of Color around the world
in the fields of shark science and conservation. Edited by one Black and
two Latin American female shark researchers, it strives to provide
positive role models for the next generation. Strong minority voices are
exactly what is needed to bring greater attention to the conservation of
sharks, and this book illustrates how great things have been, are and
will continue to be accomplished by people who were historically
excluded from marine science. It highlights the unique perspectives
these scientists bring to their field that allow them to interact with
stakeholders”-- Provided by publisher.
Identifiers: LCCN 2022032057 (print) | LCCN 2022032058 (ebook) | ISBN
9781032196961 (hardback) | ISBN 9781032196947 (paperback) | ISBN
9781003260370 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Sharks--Research. | Minority scientists--Biography. |
Minorities in science.
Classification: LCC QL638.9 .M545 2023 (print) | LCC QL638.9 (ebook) |
DDC 597.3072--dc23/eng/20220729
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022032057
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022032058
ISBN: 978-1-032-19696-1 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-032-19694-7 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-003-26037-0 (ebk)
DOI: 10.1201/9781003260370
Typeset in Minion pro
by Deanta Global Publishing Services, Chennai, India
This book is dedicated to all of the people who have never seen
themselves represented in STEM or have ever felt like they are the
only people like them in their STEM field. We see you and you are not
alone. We also dedicate this book to our ancestors who were victims to
colonialism, slavery, racism, and xenophobia. We stand on the shoulders
of giants and strive to leave a legacy they would be proud of.

CONTENTS
Preface ix
Editors xiii
List of contributors xv
Introduction xix
CHAPTER 1 PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF SHARKS 1
Written by Melissa Cristina Márquez with
contributions from Apryl Boyle, Kelly Brown,
Jaida N. Elcock, and Salanieta Kitolelei
CHAPTER 2 ELASMOBRANCH ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION 35
Written by Deborah Santos de
Azevedo Menna and Jasmin
Graham with contributions from
Karla Cirila Garcés-García, and Gibbs Kuguru
CHAPTER 3 F IELDS OF ELASMOBRANCH ANATOMY
AND PHYSIOLOGY 71
Written by Lauren Eve Simonitis with
contributions from Miasara Andrew,
Tatyana Brewer-Tinsley, Aubree Jones,
Peyton Thomas, Sabrina Van Eyck, and
Amani Webber-Schultz

vii
contents
CHAPTER 4 S HARK CONSERVATION AND FISHERIES
MANAGEMENT ACROSS THE GLOBE 117
Written by Triana Arguedas Alvarez
and Camila Cáceres with contributions
from Lauren Ali, Sara Asadi Gharbaghi,
Lara Fola-Matthews, Ingrid Hyrycena
dos Santos, Devanshi Kasana,
Buddhi Maheshika Pathirana,
Ilse Martinez Candelas, Ana P.B. Martins,
and Angelina Peña-Puch
CONCLUSION 175
Written by David Shiffman with contributions by
Catherine Macdonald, Lisa Whitenack, Jasmin Graham
and Camila Cáceres
Index 189
viii
Preface
WHAT IS MINORITIES IN
SHARK SCIENCES?
Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS) focuses on supporting racial and
gender minorities in a focused field. We provide funded opportunities
for our members and engage in outreach in broader communities. Our
membership is free and open to anyone in high school or older who self-
identifies as a racial and gender minority and is interested in a career in
shark research and conservation. We were founded by four Black female
shark researchers. We strive to be seen and take up space in a discipline
which has been largely inaccessible for women like us. We strive to be
positive role models for the next generation. We seek to promote diversity
and inclusion in shark science and encourage women of color to push
through barriers and contribute knowledge in marine science.
Finally, we hope to topple the system that has historically excluded
women like us and create an equitable path to shark science. We believe
diversity in scientists creates diversity in thought, which leads to
innovation.

ix