September 17th, 2024
Despite comprehensive regulatory changes aimed at curbing the decline of shark populations globally, a new study published in Science reveals that shark fishing mortality rates have continued to rise. Between 2012 and 2019, the estimated number of sharks killed increased from 76 to 80 million, including around 25 million of threatened species, highlighting the ongoing challenge of overfishing and the need for more effective conservation strategies.
The big picture: Sharks, key predators in marine ecosystems for over 400 million years, are now among the world's most threatened wildlife due to overfishing. This not only raises concerns about species extinction but also about the broader impact on ocean ecosystems.
Zoom in: The study analyzed global patterns of shark fishing mortality alongside regulatory measures adopted worldwide. While mortality increased by 4% in coastal waters, it saw a 7% decrease in pelagic fisheries, especially in the Atlantic and Western Pacific, thanks to specific regional fishing or retention bans. However, widespread legislation designed to prevent shark finning, a practice where sharks' fins are retained while the rest of the body is discarded at sea, did not significantly reduce overall mortality rates.
Details: The analysis highlighted that territorial waters of just six nations accounted for 50% of global shark mortality from 2017 to 2019, with Indonesia, Brazil, Mauritania, and Mexico identified as areas where high fishing mortality coincides with insufficient regulatory capacity. These findings underline the complexity of regulating shark fisheries and the need for more targeted and effective conservation measures.
What they're saying: Experts interviewed in the study noted a decline in shark finning over the past two decades but observed varying trends in fishing mortality across regions, with a notable increase in demand for shark meat. The study calls for enhanced international cooperation and coordinated efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and related crimes in the region.
The bottom line: The study underscores the urgent need for evidence-based solutions to reverse the continued overexploitation of sharks. While some regional efforts have shown success, a global increase in shark mortality points to the challenges ahead in ensuring the sustainability of shark populations. Effective management and conservation strategies are crucial to mitigate the impact of fishing on sharks and preserve marine biodiversity.