This volume investigates the current state of elasmobranch research, addressing how technological advancements have transformed our understanding of shark biology and ecology. Edited by Jeffrey C. Carrier, the text synthesizes contributions from leading experts to provide a comprehensive overview of modern methodologies. It examines how tools such as satellite telemetry, genetic sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis have shifted the focus of marine research over the last two decades. The work serves as a critical framework for understanding the physiological and evolutionary complexities of sharks, rays, and chimaeras.

Experts recognize this text as a foundational reference for researchers and graduate students in marine biology. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which provides a rigorous and technical examination of current scientific literature.