MEPS 420:283-284 (2010)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps08877

ABSTRACT: A recent study by Clua et al. (2010; Mar Ecol Prog Ser 414:257–266) that looks at the behavioural response of sicklefin lemon sharks Negaprion acutidens to underwater feeding for ecotourism purposes has a number of methodological and semantic problems that complicate the evaluation of the results and raise questions about the conclusions. Main issues are the lack of a control, the use of non-defined terms to characterize observed behaviours, and statements not supported by data. Unwarranted conclusions include the notion that behavioural changes were caused by the human interference, the link between intraspecific aggression and the feeding process, and the loss of genetic variability as a consequence of the aggregating effect of shark feeding.

KEY WORDS: Shark feeding · Behaviour · Intraspecific aggression · Marine tourism · Food provisioning