title: Biology and conservation of elasmobranchs: an introduction to the collection.
abstract: Elasmobranchs, the taxonomic group comprising sharks, skates and rays, play important roles in society and marine ecology but several species in this subclass are under threat.  This collection aims to be an open access hub for articles concerning all areas of elasmobranch biology and conservation. The collection is indefinitely open to further submissions and so will continue to grow as additional articles are added.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Coastal Science and Policy, East Carolina University, East 5th Street, Greenville, NC, 27858.
authors.forename: Charles W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Bangley
authors.affiliation: Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, University of Miami, 1365 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL, 33146 ; R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149.
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Shiffman