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Papua New Guinea (PNG) is renowned for the diversity of its terrestrial fauna. Iconic species include the birds of paradise, tree kangaroos and the cryptic but photogenic cuscus. In contrast, the marine fauna of PNG is poorly described, despite the importance of marine resources of domestic consumption and international trade. This fine cook starts to redress this imbalance, y pointing out the significance of sharks and rays in the traditional culture of PNG and going on to provide a comprehensive account of their biological diversity.

Fishers have changed their methods from wading in the shallows to the use of sail and paddle canoes, and dinghies with outboard motors. This has resulted in greater coverage of the area where sea cucumbers live, more regular fishing, access to remote areas and the capacity to transport greater catches. Loss of much larger numbers of sea cucumbers from many areas as a result of this increased fishing pressure reduces the chances of adults remaining at densities high enough for effective reproduction. When sea cucumbers are 'thinned out' by over-fishing, they are not always able to find mates to breed with during the spawning season.