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Profiles
Meaghen McCord
Originally from Canada, I moved to South Africa in 2003 to pursue my Master's degree in Fisheries Science. Of all the marine animals, I am most intrigued by elasmobranchs. They have survived several mass extinctions and are virtually unrivalled in terms of evolutionary success. They are also masters of their environment - being some of the greatest, most efficient predators known. Yet, although they contribute vast sums of money each year to the economies of coastal nations through fishing and eco-tourism, they remain one of the most poorly understood and most persecuted groups of animals. Of the more than 1000 elasmobranch species, I remain particularly enthralled with the "small guys" - the demersal sharks which form a major component of demersal longline fisheries worldwide.
Academic Qualifications
2005 Master of Science (MSc): Fisheries Science
(Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University)
Thesis title: Aspects of the ecology and management of the soupfin shark (Galeorhinus galeus) in South Africa.
2003 Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc Hons): Marine Biology
(Department of Biology, Dalhousie University)
Thesis title: A quantitative analysis of the diet of the blue shark (Prionace glauca) in the Northwest Atlantic.
Research interests: Elasmobranch biology, fisheries management & sustainable resource utilization, stable isotope analysis, trans-boundary species management, GIS, telemetry, climate change and its affect on fisheries
Professional experience
Managing Director
(South African Shark Conservancy)
- Development of a research facility dedicated to the study of elasmobranchs in South Africa; development of a forum on the sustainable utilization of elasmobranchs for all stakeholders, including the consumptive and non-consumptive sectors; acting scientific representative of the Demersal Shark Longline Association to Marine and Coastal Management.
GIS and data management intern
(African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme)
- Assisting with the development of the ODINAFRICA Marine Atlas Project - a project which yielded a compilation of spatial marine data for the whole of coastal Africa; integration and archiving of spatial information for ACEP, data entry, metadata documentation and verification, digitisation and mining from online sources, atlassing spatial data and developing data products.
Fisheries research and management advisor
(Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University)
- Biological assessments, quantitative and qualitative fishery assessments, modelling and stock assessment of a principal target species in the South African shark fishery;
- Development of: a) a species risk assessment report to govern the commercial exploitation of the soupfin shark (Galeorhinus galeus); b) a fishery management plan for G. galeus and a template fishery management plan to govern the commercial exploitation of elasmobranchs in South Africa; c) a rapid assessment indicator technique for evaluating fisheries data in developing fisheries/countries;
This work was conducted in fulfilment of my MSc thesis.
South African coordinator: Global Batoid Red List Assessment
(IUCN Species Survival Commission's Shark Specialist Group)
- Co-ordination of an international meeting designed to assess the global status of batoids for the IUCN SSC Red List, 2005, and assessments for the 2005 Global Red List of Threatened batoid species.
GIS research assistant and scientific diver
(Marine and Coastal Management, Linefish Division)
- Surgical implantation of acoustic telemetry tags into Chrysoblephus laticeps; underwater and boat-based acoustic tracking of C. laticeps; bathymetric mapping, including data collection, processing and GIS mapping, of Miller's Point MPA on the southwest coast of South Africa.
Research assistant
(Canadian Shark Research Laboratory)
- Biological research on blue (Prionace glauca), mako (Isurus oxyrhincus), and porbeagle (Lamna nasus) sharks; tag, release and hydrophonic tracking of blue and mako sharks with the assistance of shark fishermen; researching the diet of the blue shark off Nova Scotia.
Teaching assistantships
Introduction to Ichthyology (Rhodes University)
Nature Conservation (Dalhousie University)
Biology of the algae (Dalhousie University)
Lectures
- Physiology of Elasmobranchs. Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University. 2006. 2nd year Introduction to Ichthyology Course, weeklong session on elasmobranch physiology.
- Life-history strategies of elasmobranchs and the implications for management. Southern African Development Commission (SADC). 2004. Training session for Coastal Compliance, Control and Monitoring in the (SADC) Southern African Region.
Publications
- McCord, M.E., W. Sauer and O. Weyl. In prep. Age, growth and the precautionary approach. Fishing for soupfin sharks (Galeorhinus galeus) in South African waters.
- Seven (7) IUCN SPECIES ASSESSMENTS (2006 Red List). In: IUCN 2006. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
- McCord, M.E. (2005). Aspects of the ecology and management of the soupfin shark (Galeorhinus galeus). MSc thesis. Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa.
- McCord, M.E. and S.E. Campana. (2003). A quantitative analysis of the diet of blue sharks (Prionace glauca) in Nova Scotia, Canada. Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science. 32: 57-63.
- McCord, M.E. (2002). A quantitative analysis of the diet of blue sharks (Prionace glauca) in the Northwest Atlantic. BSc Hons thesis. Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
Popular articles
- Hermanus Times (ongoing): publication of a monthly article "Shark Bytes" dealing with issues surrounding the state of marine resources particularly as they relate to elasmobranchs.
- Tight Lines (February 2008): publication of an article in a South African recreational fishing magazine on the state of global elasmobranch fisheries.
- Elasmodiver (April 2007): "Reflections from a would-be shark biologist." An article addressing the impacts of apex predator declines in marine ecosystems resulting from fishery-related issues.
Dr Leonard Compagno (Curator of fishes; head, Shark Research Centre)
Addresses: Shark Research Centre, Iziko - South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria Street, P.O. Box 61, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa, Phone (work): 27 21 481 3859, fax (work) 27 21 481 3993, Phone and fax (home): 27 21 447 6813, Mobile: 083 450 2758, Email lcompagno@iziko.org.za leonard@saveourseas.com, lcompagno@sharks.org
Personal: Born December 4, 1943 in San Francisco, California, United States of America, USA citizen, permanent resident in South Africa for two decades. Single (widower).
Education: Undergraduate degrees (A.A.) in Zoology at City College of San Francisco and San Francisco State University (B.A, magna cum laude); Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, thesis: Carcharhinoid sharks: morphology, systematics and phylogeny., 932 pp.; microfiche version published by University Microfilms, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Expanded and revised version published by Princeton University Press as Sharks of the Order Carcharhiniformes (1988; 2003 Blackburn Press reprint with new forward).
Postdoctoral academic status: Adjunct professorship, Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies, San Francisco State University, Tiburon, California (1979 to 1985). Research associateship, via J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology; and membership of computation committee of Rhodes University, ca. 1985-1989, founded Shark Research Center in 1986. Honorary research associateship, Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town, ca. 2000 to present. B+ rating, South African National Research Foundation, 2007-present; Ordinary Fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa, 2004-present; director, Shark Research Institute; advisory board, Save our Seas Foundation; regional-vice chair and executive board, IUCN shark specialist group.
Academic Specialities and Interests: Systematics, morphology, evolution, paleontology, zoogeography, diversity, natural history (including behavior), and conservation of sharklike fishes (sharks, rays and chimaeras or cartilaginous fishes, Class Chondrichthyes). General interest and academic background in systematic ichthyology, fish morphology and evolution, and curation of fish collections. Interest in natural history, morphology, and paleontology of animals with particular emphasis on vertebrate biology and on vertebrate behavior. Broad university training in the sciences and humanities, with outside interests in wildlife observation including bird-watching, wildlife photography, microcomputers, aviation, flight simulation, space exploration, science fiction (including writing short stories and novels), essay-writing, poetry, philosophy, politics, psychology, history, and numerous other subjects.
Publications: Over 500 items published, including abstracts, papers, popular articles, reports, web site reports, books and book chapters, plus numerous items in press in 2008. Major books include Sharks of the Order Carcharhiniformes (1988, 2003); the 1984 FAO Catalog of World Sharks; the revised FAO Catalog of World Sharks (2001 and ongoing; the Guide to the sharks and rays of Southern Africa (1989), several versions of the Harper-Collins/Princeton Field guide to Sharks of the World (published 2005-2006), and the derivative Collins gem. Sharks (2006).
New Taxa of Cartilaginous Fishes described: 6 family-group taxa, 10 genus-group taxa, and 27 species to date, plus several published by SRC students.
Students: 7 Ph.Ds. completed or finishing (2008); 2 M.Scs. completed; one M.Sc.-Ph.D. starting 2008. Rhodes University, University of Cape Town, University of Stellenbosch, University of the Western Cape. Over 21 books and papers published by SRC students.
- Steve Smuts (under development...)
- Tina Bezuidenhout (under development...)
SouthAfricanSharkConservancy
promoting the conservation & sustainable utilization of elasmobranchs & other marine resources through research, education & the development of cooperative partnerships
Professional experience
July 2007- Current:
Marine scientist: Inshore Resources - Shark Research
Marine and Coastal Management
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
June-July 2006
Laboratory assistant in SAIAB genetics sequencing facility
June 2005
Sub-consulting research contract for Coastal and Environmental Services (CES)
May 2005
Graduate Assistant Work
Preparation of laboratory samples for Honours practicals
Demonstration of laboratory techniques with regards to age and growth and validation studies of teleosts and chondrichthyans
Conferences & workshops: SAMSS 30 June 2008 - Status and prognosis of the smoothhound shark (Mustelus mustelus) fishery in the south-eastern and south-western Cape Coast of South Africa; Traffic East/Southern Africa-Workshop on marine resource trade, Kirstenbosch gardens, 30 Aug 2006; DNA sequencing facility workshop, Grahamstown, 2-3 May 2006; Teaching assistant, BENEFIT Modeling workshop, Swakopmund, 15-27 May 2007
Papers & popular articles
DA SILVA, C., & M. BÜRGENER, 2007 - Trade in demersal shark species, Traffic Bulletin, 21 (2) pg 56
DA SILVA, C. & M.H. VILLET, 2006-Effects of prophylactic progesterone in decomposing tissues on the development of Chrysomya chloropyga (Wiedeman) (Diptera:Calliphoridae). African Entomology, 14 199-202
Papers in press or in preparation
DA SILVA, C., KERWATH. S. E., THORSTAD, E.B., NÆSJE, T.F., ATTWOOD C.G., WILKE,C., ØKLAND, F. & P.D. COWLEY- In Prep, Movement of smoothhound sharks (Mustelus mustelus) in Langebaan Lagoon
DA SILVA, C- In Press. Demersal shark log identification key. Traffic Bulletin
DA SILVA, C., BOOTH, A.J., & M.J. SMALE- In Prep Stock assessment of the smoothhound shark (Mustelus mustelus)
Current research projects
Biology of Mustelus mustelus from Langebaan Lagoon
Chief Scientist: Demersal shark longline cruise aboard the RV Ellen Khuzwayo investigating the biology and seasonality of demersal shark species such as soupfin sharks (Galeorhinus galeus), smoothhound sharks (Mustelus mustelus) and Broadnose sevengill cowsharks (Notorynchus cepedianus)
Biology and growth of the endemic white spotted smoothhound shark Mustelus palumbes
Associations
Convenor- Chondrichthyan Working Group; Junior Scientist: NORSA Program
CHARLENE DA SILVA
More than 1000 types of sharks and rays are known worldwide. Unfortunately, due to the charismatic nature of some species, media coverage and scientific resources are focused on only a handful of the elasmobranchs. I am passionate about research and conservation of the oft-ignored little guys. I believe that investigations into their life-histories are invaluable as these sharks are targeted to meet the socio-economic needs of fishermen in the absence of high-value fish.
Academic details
2005-2007 Masters of Science Degree,
Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science
Thesis Title: Status and prognosis of the smoothhound shark (Mustelus mustelus) fishery from the south-eastern and south-western Cape coasts, South Africa
2004 Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree
Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science
Honours Project Title: Age, growth and maturity of the Pyjama shark, Poroderma africanum, from the south-east Cape coast of South Africa
