Effects of ethanol storage and lipid and urea extraction on δ15N and δ13C isotope ratios in a benthic elasmobranch, the bluespotted maskray Neotrygon kuhlii
Ethanol storage and lipid and urea extraction had no effect on bluespotted maskray Neotrygon kuhlii muscle δ13C values whereas urea-removal and ethanol storage increased δ15N values. Results presented here show a significant δ15N increase post-urea removal and provide additional support for this approach in future elasmobranch stable-isotope analysis (SIA) studies. Further experimental work on other elasmobranch species is needed to assess extraction and preservation effects on stable-isotope (SI) values.