We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the knowledge base for amphibian chytrid Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (8d) infection in the continent of Asia. Despite an indication of geographic bias in terms of studying chytrid fungus distribution in Asia, 167 amphibian species (145 spp. native to Asia) from 16 countries have been reported as infected with Bd. Our meta-analysis shows that overall prevalence is 8.19 % (out of 28,433 samples), and Bd-positive rate in amphibia significantly varies among sampling sources (chi(2) = 380.57, DF= 6, P< 0.001) and age categories (chi(2) = 22.09, DF= 2, P< 0.001). We used Kernel Density analysis to produce a hotspot map for chytrid infection, and Digital Elevation Model to understand the distribution of chytrid positive locations across different elevations. In our meta-analysis, most of the Bd-positive sites range between 4.45-27.49 degrees C, 167-4,353 mm rainfall, 10-40 degrees N, and at lower elevations (<500 m). Using land cover analysis, we did not find a statistically significant difference among six different land cover categories in relation to the prevalence of Bd across Asia. Although no mass die-off events have been reported so far, Maximum Entropy modelling shows that Bd distribution and infection may potentially occur across a vast region of south-east Asia. In conclusion, we call for more systematic research and monitoring strategies in place for countries with little to no information, but have a moderately higher risk of chytrid distribution and infection.

Fisheries bycatch is known as the major threat to Threatened shark species (herein, sharks, skates, and rays) in Bangladesh. But bycatch is not appropriately addressed under the existing wildlife and fisheries conservation management regime. This policy brief evaluates the current scenario of shark conservation and identifies priorities for future interventions. The literature review finds 71 shark species and only four peer-reviewed publications from Bangladesh suggesting the species already known have not yet been studied. In addition, inconsistencies in legal frameworks have limited the capacities and mandates of responsible government agencies. We recommend actionable changes in policy to regulate shark trade, reduce bycatch of Threatened species, improve fisheries data reporting system, and bring consistency between institutional mandate and the capacity of conservation and management agencies.

Our study examines the diversity of values within a superficially homogeneous recreational fishery and its relationship to angler diversity. We collected data on fishing preferences, behaviors, catch usage, and sociodemographics from 443 shore anglers across 10 cities in the lower Great Lakes. We identified five coherent dimensions, including food, cultural, leisure, challenge/performance, and social–financial centrality, consistent with multidimensional value structuring in recreational fisheries. Based on these patterns, anglers were classified into three data-driven groups along a food provisioning–leisure/sport continuum: provisioning/food-oriented, cultural/community-oriented, and leisure/sport-oriented. We further characterized these groups by differences in their fishing preferences and sociodemographics. These findings provide empirical support that recreational and non-recreational values coexist and jointly characterize angler diversity in urban shore fisheries. Our study highlights the need for future research and management to treat food provisioning and cultural practices as core dimensions of recreational fisheries that reflect anglers’ diverse values and needs.