This component of the symposium will investigate the effects of anthropogenic environmental pollution on elasmobranchs. Although few in number, previous studies have demonstrated that elasmobranchs bioaccumulate many environmental chemicals due to their terminal position in marine food chains. Furthermore, other reports have provided evidence that these compounds may have deleterious effects on various aspects of elasmobranch physiology. This section of the symposium will investigate the impact that human-mediated degradation or modification of habitats has had on elasmobranchs. Worldwide the degradation of marine habitats has been extensive.
Humans modify aquatic habitats by filling, dredging and damming.
Aquaculture operations have also modified the environment in which some elasmobranchs live. Power plants discharge heated water, changing local temperature regimes. Beach meshing operations change the habitat of some coastal areas, increasing mortality of sharks. This section of the symposium will deal with a multitude of impacts that are possible due to the increased popularity of eco-tourism activities worldwide. Boats, scuba divers and snorkelers are brought into close contact with elasmobranchs to allow for viewing of the animals.