Global Priorities for Conserving Sharks and Rays
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Global Priorities
for Conserving
Sharks and Rays
A 2015–2025 strategy
Global Sharks and Rays Initiative
A. Bräutigam, M. Callow, I.R. Campbell, M.D. Camhi, A.S. Cornish, N.K. Dulvy, S.V. Fordham, S.L. Fowler,
A.R. Hood, C. McClennen, E.L. Reuter, G. Sant, C.A. Simpfendorfer and D.J. Welch
Contents
A recent analysis The Global Sharks and Rays Initiative (GSRI)
is a partnership of:
estimates that 24%
of chondrichthyan
species are threatened
COVER: Main photo – Angel Shark © Tony Gilbert. Circles (top-bottom) The Shark trust: Tope © Matthew Meier, ThOrnback Ray © Paul Naylor, Great Hammerhead © Duncan Brake.
with extinction,
making them among
the most threatened Contents
of the world’s
Introduction: A Roadmap for Action 4
vertebrate groups
A Global Vision for Shark and Ray Conservation 5
Sharks and Rays Under Threat 6
A Window of Opportunity 9
Strategic Areas of Intervention 10
Saving Shark and Ray Species 12
Managing Shark and Ray Fisheries for Sustainability 15
Ensuring Responsible Trade in Shark and Ray Products 18
Encouraging Responsible Consumption of Shark and Ray Products 21
A Global Sharks and Rays Initiative 24
Selected References 26
Citation
Bräutigam, A., Callow, M., Campbell, I.R., Camhi, M.D., Cornish, A.S., Dulvy, N.K.,
Fordham, S.V., Fowler, S.L., Hood, A.R., McClennen, C., Reuter, E.L., Sant, G.,
Simpfendorfer, C.A. and Welch, D.J. (2015). Global Priorities for Conserving Sharks
and Rays: A 2015–2025 Strategy.
Shark landing. © WCS Indonesia
The designation of geographical entities in this document, and the presentation
of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part
of the GSRI member organizations concerning the legal status of any country,
territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers
or boundaries.
3
Contents
A recent analysis The Global Sharks and Rays Initiative (GSRI)
is a partnership of:
estimates that 24%
of chondrichthyan
species are threatened
COVER: Main photo – Angel Shark © Tony Gilbert. Circles (top-bottom) The Shark trust: Tope © Matthew Meier, ThOrnback Ray © Paul Naylor, Great Hammerhead © Duncan Brake.
with extinction,
making them among
the most threatened Contents
of the world’s
Introduction: A Roadmap for Action 4
vertebrate groups
A Global Vision for Shark and Ray Conservation 5
Sharks and Rays Under Threat 6
A Window of Opportunity 9
Strategic Areas of Intervention 10
Saving Shark and Ray Species 12
Managing Shark and Ray Fisheries for Sustainability 15
Ensuring Responsible Trade in Shark and Ray Products 18
Encouraging Responsible Consumption of Shark and Ray Products 21
A Global Sharks and Rays Initiative 24
Selected References 26
Citation
Bräutigam, A., Callow, M., Campbell, I.R., Camhi, M.D., Cornish, A.S., Dulvy, N.K.,
Fordham, S.V., Fowler, S.L., Hood, A.R., McClennen, C., Reuter, E.L., Sant, G.,
Simpfendorfer, C.A. and Welch, D.J. (2015). Global Priorities for Conserving Sharks
and Rays: A 2015–2025 Strategy.
Shark landing. © WCS Indonesia
The designation of geographical entities in this document, and the presentation
of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part
of the GSRI member organizations concerning the legal status of any country,
territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers
or boundaries.
3
Introduction Vision
A Roadmap for Action A Global Vision for Shark and Ray Conservation
The Global Strategy for the Conservation of Fundamental elements of the strategy include: Sharks, rays and chimaeras1 – the with extinction. This high rate of risk, caused primarily by
Sharks and Rays (2015–2025), summarized improvements in governance frameworks and regimes chondrichthyan fishes – have evolved over 400 overfishing, distinguishes this group of fishes as among
here, is the product of an intensive 18-month for shark and ray conservation; data collection and million years. They make up one of the oldest the most threatened of the world’s vertebrate groups.
strategic planning process incorporating scientific investigation to further the understanding of remaining groups of vertebrate animals and one
extensive data analysis and synthesis, including sharks and rays and the pressures on their populations; of just three classes of living fishes. Today, as Many tens of millions of sharks and rays are killed every
a set of background documents, several development and deployment of tools to strengthen many as 1,250 ecologically and evolutionarily year:
technical workshops, and ongoing consultation technical capacity; and fostering increased commitment, diverse species2 of chondrichthyans inhabit • in target fisheries,
and review. including political will and financial investment, across the marine and fresh waters of our planet, with • landed as secondary catch in fisheries targeting other
approximately one new species discovered
Skate. © Julie Larsen Maher/WCS
multiple sectors. species, or
This process involved a team of experts representing the each month. • discarded as unwanted bycatch.
following organizations: Shark Advocates International, The NGOs that have partnered to develop the global
the Shark Trust, TRAFFIC, Wildlife Conservation shark and ray conservation strategy are committed A major driver of shark and ray fishing, and resulting
Society (WCS), and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to its implementation, through a Global Sharks and population declines, is the strong and in some cases
International. The co-chairs of the International Union for Rays Initiative (GSRI). However, it is clear that such growing demand for shark and ray meat and fins, as well
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Shark Specialist Group an ambitious effort involves a much broader range of as other products such as mobulid4 gill plates and shark
Tracking SAWFISH. © David Morgan
served as technical advisors and contributors to the private and public sector organizations, agencies, and liver oil.
planning process. This document presents a summary of institutions. This Global Strategy provides a roadmap for
the global priorities for shark and ray conservation that expanding commitments and prompting action to ensure This Global Strategy aims to end this overexploitation
have been identified through this collaborative process. the conservation of these vulnerable and valuable fishes. and build the foundation for a global transformation in
the conservation outlook for these species.
Global priorities are articulated as a comprehensive set of
interventions at different levels aimed at:
• Saving Shark and Ray Species;
• Managing Shark and Ray Fisheries for Sustainability;
• Ensuring Responsible Trade in Shark and Ray Products; These fishes have developed a remarkable range of
• Encouraging Responsible Consumption of Shark and Ray Products. morphological and mechanical features, including
bioluminescence, pockets, saws, hammers, stingers
and electricity, which, along with the sheer size and
1
Class Chondrichthyes
power of the most iconic species, have long captured
incorporates the imaginations. Sharks and rays also exhibit the greatest
cartilaginous
fishes – both the
diversity in reproductive modes of all vertebrates,
elasmobranchs (sharks, including species with the largest egg (16cm vision:
skates and rays) and
Acknowledgements the chimaeras. For diameter) and the longest pregnancy (ca. 31 Sharks and rays throughout the world are
simplicity, and to months) in the entire animal kingdom. fulfilling their ecological roles, sustaining
reflect the primary
The authors and their organizations thank the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation focus of the Global well-managed fisheries, and are valued by
and Disney Conservation Fund for their financial and other support towards the preparation Strategy, this document There is much to learn from the all for their critical contribution to ecosystem
refers to “sharks and
of this Global Strategy and design of a Global Sharks and Rays Initiative to shepherd its rays”, understood chondrichthyans about how complex life has health and human well-being.
implementation. to encompass the evolved and adapted to changing conditions
elasmobranchs.
2
While estimates place on Earth over many millennia. goal:
With special thanks to the following: the total number of By 2025, the conservation status of the
species at nearly 1,250,
Lindsay Davidson, Julia Lawson, and Rachel Walls (Simon Fraser 1,150 have thus far Sharks and rays are irreplaceable components world’s sharks and rays has improved –
been described, and
University/IUCN Shark Specialist Group); Sean Anderson (Simon of the world’s biodiversity and perform vital declines have been halted, extinctions have
1,084 of these have
Fraser University); Gayle Burgess and Markus Burgener (TRAFFIC); been assessed for ecological roles. They also have significant been prevented, and commitments to their
the IUCN Red List of
and David Wilkie, Elizabeth Bennett, Susan Lieberman, and
Threatened Species.
economic and cultural values in many societies. conservation have increased globally.
Lindsay Peter (Wildlife Conservation Society). 3
Dulvy et al. 2014. However, these animals are at great risk; a recent
4
“Mobulid gill plates”
refers to those from the
analysis by the IUCN Shark Specialist Group3 estimated
manta and devil rays. that 24% of chondrichthyan species are likely threatened
4 5
Introduction Vision
A Roadmap for Action A Global Vision for Shark and Ray Conservation
The Global Strategy for the Conservation of Fundamental elements of the strategy include: Sharks, rays and chimaeras1 – the with extinction. This high rate of risk, caused primarily by
Sharks and Rays (2015–2025), summarized improvements in governance frameworks and regimes chondrichthyan fishes – have evolved over 400 overfishing, distinguishes this group of fishes as among
here, is the product of an intensive 18-month for shark and ray conservation; data collection and million years. They make up one of the oldest the most threatened of the world’s vertebrate groups.
strategic planning process incorporating scientific investigation to further the understanding of remaining groups of vertebrate animals and one
extensive data analysis and synthesis, including sharks and rays and the pressures on their populations; of just three classes of living fishes. Today, as Many tens of millions of sharks and rays are killed every
a set of background documents, several development and deployment of tools to strengthen many as 1,250 ecologically and evolutionarily year:
technical workshops, and ongoing consultation technical capacity; and fostering increased commitment, diverse species2 of chondrichthyans inhabit • in target fisheries,
and review. including political will and financial investment, across the marine and fresh waters of our planet, with • landed as secondary catch in fisheries targeting other
approximately one new species discovered
Skate. © Julie Larsen Maher/WCS
multiple sectors. species, or
This process involved a team of experts representing the each month. • discarded as unwanted bycatch.
following organizations: Shark Advocates International, The NGOs that have partnered to develop the global
the Shark Trust, TRAFFIC, Wildlife Conservation shark and ray conservation strategy are committed A major driver of shark and ray fishing, and resulting
Society (WCS), and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to its implementation, through a Global Sharks and population declines, is the strong and in some cases
International. The co-chairs of the International Union for Rays Initiative (GSRI). However, it is clear that such growing demand for shark and ray meat and fins, as well
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Shark Specialist Group an ambitious effort involves a much broader range of as other products such as mobulid4 gill plates and shark
Tracking SAWFISH. © David Morgan
served as technical advisors and contributors to the private and public sector organizations, agencies, and liver oil.
planning process. This document presents a summary of institutions. This Global Strategy provides a roadmap for
the global priorities for shark and ray conservation that expanding commitments and prompting action to ensure This Global Strategy aims to end this overexploitation
have been identified through this collaborative process. the conservation of these vulnerable and valuable fishes. and build the foundation for a global transformation in
the conservation outlook for these species.
Global priorities are articulated as a comprehensive set of
interventions at different levels aimed at:
• Saving Shark and Ray Species;
• Managing Shark and Ray Fisheries for Sustainability;
• Ensuring Responsible Trade in Shark and Ray Products; These fishes have developed a remarkable range of
• Encouraging Responsible Consumption of Shark and Ray Products. morphological and mechanical features, including
bioluminescence, pockets, saws, hammers, stingers
and electricity, which, along with the sheer size and
1
Class Chondrichthyes
power of the most iconic species, have long captured
incorporates the imaginations. Sharks and rays also exhibit the greatest
cartilaginous
fishes – both the
diversity in reproductive modes of all vertebrates,
elasmobranchs (sharks, including species with the largest egg (16cm vision:
skates and rays) and
Acknowledgements the chimaeras. For diameter) and the longest pregnancy (ca. 31 Sharks and rays throughout the world are
simplicity, and to months) in the entire animal kingdom. fulfilling their ecological roles, sustaining
reflect the primary
The authors and their organizations thank the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation focus of the Global well-managed fisheries, and are valued by
and Disney Conservation Fund for their financial and other support towards the preparation Strategy, this document There is much to learn from the all for their critical contribution to ecosystem
refers to “sharks and
of this Global Strategy and design of a Global Sharks and Rays Initiative to shepherd its rays”, understood chondrichthyans about how complex life has health and human well-being.
implementation. to encompass the evolved and adapted to changing conditions
elasmobranchs.
2
While estimates place on Earth over many millennia. goal:
With special thanks to the following: the total number of By 2025, the conservation status of the
species at nearly 1,250,
Lindsay Davidson, Julia Lawson, and Rachel Walls (Simon Fraser 1,150 have thus far Sharks and rays are irreplaceable components world’s sharks and rays has improved –
been described, and
University/IUCN Shark Specialist Group); Sean Anderson (Simon of the world’s biodiversity and perform vital declines have been halted, extinctions have
1,084 of these have
Fraser University); Gayle Burgess and Markus Burgener (TRAFFIC); been assessed for ecological roles. They also have significant been prevented, and commitments to their
the IUCN Red List of
and David Wilkie, Elizabeth Bennett, Susan Lieberman, and
Threatened Species.
economic and cultural values in many societies. conservation have increased globally.
Lindsay Peter (Wildlife Conservation Society). 3
Dulvy et al. 2014. However, these animals are at great risk; a recent
4
“Mobulid gill plates”
refers to those from the
analysis by the IUCN Shark Specialist Group3 estimated
manta and devil rays. that 24% of chondrichthyan species are likely threatened
4 5
Threats Threats
Sharks and Rays Under Threat An estimated 1/4
Existing conservation measures of shark and ray
are not enough species are threatened
The major threat to shark and ray species is Of the 1,038 species of sharks and rays currently
overfishing. A global expansion of shark and ray assessed for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species6, The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species – the world’s most with extinction*
fishing has been underway for several decades, authoritative such list – assigns a total of 181 species of sharks
as populations of more favored food fish have
181 are listed in one of the three threatened categories,
including 20 species classified as Critically Endangered, and rays to its three threatened categories (CR, EN, VU).
and require action
been depleted and/or become subject to more another 127 are categorized as Near Threatened. A The large number of sharks and rays classified as Data without delay
stringent fisheries restrictions. While other full 45% (472 species) are classified as Data Deficient, Deficient highlights the fundamental need for focused
factors, particularly habitat loss, also play a and many newly discovered species have not yet been research on these species and the threats that they face.
part, the primary cause of declining shark and
1,038
assessed. Overall, less than 25% of sharks and rays
ray populations is quite simply the fact that they are assessed as of Least Concern, meaning that the Shovelnose
guitarfish (NT)
are being fished at rates that exceed their great majority of these species are Great
capacity to replenish. in need of conservation attention. hammerhead (EN)
Furthermore, the conservation
species of
Sharks and rays typically grow slowly, mature late, status of rays (including skates, sharks and
Egg case. © Sander Van der Wel
5
FAO (2014), Davidson
rays have been
et al. (2015). and produce few young. These life history traits render sawfishes, and guitarfishes) is worse
6
IUCN 2015. The
total number of them particularly vulnerable to overfishing and slow than that of sharks, but they are
chondrichthyan species
assessed at this time is
to recover from depletion. As a result, whole families generally afforded less attention assessed on the
1,084, but this includes of shark and ray species are today threatened with than their better-known, and more
IUCN Red List
the 46 species of
chimaeras, which are
not threatened and
extinction. Indeed, reported global landings of sharks
and rays peaked in 2003 and have since dropped
charismatic, relatives. This Global
Strategy explicitly addresses the
472
therefore not currently
by approximately 20%, most likely due to declining need for concerted action for the
a priority of this Global
Strategy. populations5. rays as well as the sharks. Shortfin
20
mako (VU)
Common
Annual capture production data for sharks and rays as reported in FAO statistics – landings (tonnes)
45 skate
complex
(CR)
NursE
258 116
1,000,000 300,000 shark (DD)
rays
750,000
200,000
127
Epaulette
Source: Dulvy et al. 2014, http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00590.003
500,000 shark (LC)
sharks
All chondrichthyans
(sharks, rays and chimaeras) 100,000
45.5% 24.9% 12.2% 11.2% 4.3% 1.9%
250,000
DD LC NT VU EN CR
Data Least Near Vulnerable Endangered Critically
Deficient Concern threatened Endangered
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Left panel: total reported shark and ray landings per year rose steadily until the peak in catch in 2003. Figures correct as of 12 November 2015. These figures do not include the 46 species of chimaeras, of which 24 are DD, 19 LC and 3 NT.
Right panel: landings of sharks (orange line) and rays (blue line). See www.iucnredlist.org. *Dulvy et al.’s (2014) analysis estimated extinction risk for all chondrichthyan species, including those assessed as DD.
6 7
Threats Threats
Sharks and Rays Under Threat An estimated 1/4
Existing conservation measures of shark and ray
are not enough species are threatened
The major threat to shark and ray species is Of the 1,038 species of sharks and rays currently
overfishing. A global expansion of shark and ray assessed for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species6, The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species – the world’s most with extinction*
fishing has been underway for several decades, authoritative such list – assigns a total of 181 species of sharks
as populations of more favored food fish have
181 are listed in one of the three threatened categories,
including 20 species classified as Critically Endangered, and rays to its three threatened categories (CR, EN, VU).
and require action
been depleted and/or become subject to more another 127 are categorized as Near Threatened. A The large number of sharks and rays classified as Data without delay
stringent fisheries restrictions. While other full 45% (472 species) are classified as Data Deficient, Deficient highlights the fundamental need for focused
factors, particularly habitat loss, also play a and many newly discovered species have not yet been research on these species and the threats that they face.
part, the primary cause of declining shark and
1,038
assessed. Overall, less than 25% of sharks and rays
ray populations is quite simply the fact that they are assessed as of Least Concern, meaning that the Shovelnose
guitarfish (NT)
are being fished at rates that exceed their great majority of these species are Great
capacity to replenish. in need of conservation attention. hammerhead (EN)
Furthermore, the conservation
species of
Sharks and rays typically grow slowly, mature late, status of rays (including skates, sharks and
Egg case. © Sander Van der Wel
5
FAO (2014), Davidson
rays have been
et al. (2015). and produce few young. These life history traits render sawfishes, and guitarfishes) is worse
6
IUCN 2015. The
total number of them particularly vulnerable to overfishing and slow than that of sharks, but they are
chondrichthyan species
assessed at this time is
to recover from depletion. As a result, whole families generally afforded less attention assessed on the
1,084, but this includes of shark and ray species are today threatened with than their better-known, and more
IUCN Red List
the 46 species of
chimaeras, which are
not threatened and
extinction. Indeed, reported global landings of sharks
and rays peaked in 2003 and have since dropped
charismatic, relatives. This Global
Strategy explicitly addresses the
472
therefore not currently
by approximately 20%, most likely due to declining need for concerted action for the
a priority of this Global
Strategy. populations5. rays as well as the sharks. Shortfin
20
mako (VU)
Common
Annual capture production data for sharks and rays as reported in FAO statistics – landings (tonnes)
45 skate
complex
(CR)
NursE
258 116
1,000,000 300,000 shark (DD)
rays
750,000
200,000
127
Epaulette
Source: Dulvy et al. 2014, http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00590.003
500,000 shark (LC)
sharks
All chondrichthyans
(sharks, rays and chimaeras) 100,000
45.5% 24.9% 12.2% 11.2% 4.3% 1.9%
250,000
DD LC NT VU EN CR
Data Least Near Vulnerable Endangered Critically
Deficient Concern threatened Endangered
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Left panel: total reported shark and ray landings per year rose steadily until the peak in catch in 2003. Figures correct as of 12 November 2015. These figures do not include the 46 species of chimaeras, of which 24 are DD, 19 LC and 3 NT.
Right panel: landings of sharks (orange line) and rays (blue line). See www.iucnredlist.org. *Dulvy et al.’s (2014) analysis estimated extinction risk for all chondrichthyan species, including those assessed as DD.
6 7
Threats Opportunity
Conservation Status by Habitat Type
(Total no. of species = 1,0307)
IUCN Red List Status (2015)
THREATENED
A Window of Opportunity
CR EN VU NT DD LC
Coastal Continental (494) 16 28 83 75 188 104 The 2013 listing of seven commercially While only 17 species of sharks and rays are currently
Pelagic (39) 0 3 15 12 4 5 exploited species of sharks and rays on listed on the CITES Appendices9, these listings have
CITES (the Convention on International Trade
Adapted from Dulvy et al. (2014)
great potential to advance efforts to transition the
Deepwater (465) 1 7 17 39 258 143
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and international trade in all shark and ray products towards
Freshwater (32) 3 7 1 1 18 2 Flora) Appendix II8 was the latest in a series of sustainability. The effective implementation of CITES is
TOTAL (1,030) 20 45 116 127 468 254 international policy milestones which together ultimately the responsibility of individual countries, but
create an opportunity to turn the tide towards many of the 181 CITES Parties have not yet put in place
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Status
major conservation improvements. the necessary laws, regulations, and procedures to
CR=Critically Endangered; EN=Endangered; VU=Vulnerable; NT=Near Threatened; DD=Data Deficient, and LC=Least Concern)
achieve this for the listed sharks and rays. To accelerate
implementation, and seize the CITES opportunity,
Since less is known about sharks and rays than many significant investment is needed to empower
CAT shark. © Sally Sharrock/the Shark trust
7
A total of 1,038 shark
Round Ray and Conservationist. © Julie Larsen Maher/WCS
and ray species have other vertebrate groups, and because it offers a basis governments to meet their national and international
been assessed on
the IUCN Red List of
for prioritizing actions to conserve these species, commitments to the shark and ray species under their
Threatened Species the IUCN Red List assessment process is crucial to jurisdiction.
as of November 2015,
but this includes eight conservation efforts. As the world’s most authoritative
LC or DD deepwater list of threatened species, it provides the foundation Whereas CITES is predominantly focused on trade, the
epipelagic sharks which
do not fit within a single for setting priorities, informing implementation of FAO IPOA-Sharks provides important guidance for more
habitat type designation. conservation efforts, and galvanizing interest around comprehensive shark and ray fisheries management,
Although these eight
species are currently the plight of the world’s sharks and rays. It is therefore and lays out a clear process for countries to develop
eluding fisheries and vital that Red List assessments are continually updated their own management regimes and regularly revised
other anthropogenic
impacts, the status of to include newly discovered species, report changes in Inadequate governance of fisheries at national and National Plans of Action (NPOAs). Progress on this
all chondrichthyans will species’ conservation status, and allow the impact of international levels poses a particular challenge to the voluntary international instrument has been exceptionally
be monitored as part
of the ongoing Red List interventions undertaken as part of this Global Strategy conservation of sharks and rays. Many species migrate slow, with few countries producing a comprehensive
assessment process,
to be monitored and evaluated. As implementation across national boundaries, often into international plan; indeed, despite IPOA-Sharks’ recognition of the
and any changes in
status will be addressed of the strategy progresses, actions will adapt to new waters, and are landed in multiple fisheries that vary urgent need for action, 15 years after its adoption only
through adaptive
knowledge or changing circumstances reflected significantly in scale and control. Meanwhile, the 9% of the global live weight shark and ray catch is
implementation of the
Global Strategy. through this “living” list. international trade in shark and ray products involves taken by countries that have produced an adequate
numerous centers of demand and complex flows NPOA10. In many cases, this is due to a lack of expertise
between and within countries, regions, and continents. The policy milestones include: and capacity, illustrating the huge challenge faced in
8
This includes five shark
species (oceanic whitetip • the 1994 CITES Resolution on the Status of transforming international commitments into action.
shark, porbeagle shark,
These challenges are exacerbated by institutional gaps, International Trade in Shark Species;
and scalloped, great and
including: insufficient data on the biology, population smooth hammerhead • the 1999 FAO (United Nations Food and Agriculture There is currently an unprecedented window of
Hammerhead embryos, Apex predators program/NEFSC/NOAA.
sharks) and both manta
status, and threats to different species in different rays. The great white
Organization) IPOA-Sharks (International Plan of Action opportunity to transform the conservation of the world’s
regions; and inadequate funds, technical capacity, and shark, whale shark for the Conservation and Management of Sharks); and sharks and rays, supported by increased public and
and basking shark
political will to properly monitor, manage, and control were already listed in • the 2010 CMS (Convention on the Conservation of government interest in these species. This Global
shark and ray fisheries and trade. Conservation efforts CITES Appendix II. Migratory Species of Wild Animals) Memorandum of Strategy capitalizes on these heightened levels of support
Species included in
for these species have been fragmented, dispersed, Appendix II are not Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks. to drive fisheries policy reform, establish effective trade
and under-resourced. This Global Strategy aims to necessarily threatened controls, build technical and other capacities, and
with extinction, but trade
mitigate these challenges under a comprehensive and is controlled to avoid Momentum for change was also boosted by numerous facilitate the engagement of more stakeholders in shark
utilization incompatible
unifying framework for collective action. national efforts and ground-breaking measures adopted and ray conservation. The Global Strategy identifies
with their survival. The
sawfishes are included in by Regional Fishery Bodies (RFBs), including Regional priority actions, in four interconnected strategic areas of
CITES Appendix I.
Sharks and rays face a precarious future – with serious 9
Two of the seven
Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs). These intervention, aimed at achieving these goals.
consequences for marine and freshwater ecosystems sawfish species listed advances were in direct response to the growing
by CITES are now
and the human communities and economies that understood to be recognition of the threats to sharks and rays and –
depend on them. Based on substantial expertise from synonyms; recent bolstered by awareness-raising campaigns and new
reassessment has
key disciplines, this holistic Global Strategy represents clarified that there are governmental conservation commitments – constitute
an unprecedented, coordinated initiative to brighten five valid extant sawfish a promising enabling environment in which to launch a
species.
that future. 10
Davidson et al. 2015. Global Strategy.
8 9
Threats Opportunity
Conservation Status by Habitat Type
(Total no. of species = 1,0307)
IUCN Red List Status (2015)
THREATENED
A Window of Opportunity
CR EN VU NT DD LC
Coastal Continental (494) 16 28 83 75 188 104 The 2013 listing of seven commercially While only 17 species of sharks and rays are currently
Pelagic (39) 0 3 15 12 4 5 exploited species of sharks and rays on listed on the CITES Appendices9, these listings have
CITES (the Convention on International Trade
Adapted from Dulvy et al. (2014)
great potential to advance efforts to transition the
Deepwater (465) 1 7 17 39 258 143
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and international trade in all shark and ray products towards
Freshwater (32) 3 7 1 1 18 2 Flora) Appendix II8 was the latest in a series of sustainability. The effective implementation of CITES is
TOTAL (1,030) 20 45 116 127 468 254 international policy milestones which together ultimately the responsibility of individual countries, but
create an opportunity to turn the tide towards many of the 181 CITES Parties have not yet put in place
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Status
major conservation improvements. the necessary laws, regulations, and procedures to
CR=Critically Endangered; EN=Endangered; VU=Vulnerable; NT=Near Threatened; DD=Data Deficient, and LC=Least Concern)
achieve this for the listed sharks and rays. To accelerate
implementation, and seize the CITES opportunity,
Since less is known about sharks and rays than many significant investment is needed to empower
CAT shark. © Sally Sharrock/the Shark trust
7
A total of 1,038 shark
Round Ray and Conservationist. © Julie Larsen Maher/WCS
and ray species have other vertebrate groups, and because it offers a basis governments to meet their national and international
been assessed on
the IUCN Red List of
for prioritizing actions to conserve these species, commitments to the shark and ray species under their
Threatened Species the IUCN Red List assessment process is crucial to jurisdiction.
as of November 2015,
but this includes eight conservation efforts. As the world’s most authoritative
LC or DD deepwater list of threatened species, it provides the foundation Whereas CITES is predominantly focused on trade, the
epipelagic sharks which
do not fit within a single for setting priorities, informing implementation of FAO IPOA-Sharks provides important guidance for more
habitat type designation. conservation efforts, and galvanizing interest around comprehensive shark and ray fisheries management,
Although these eight
species are currently the plight of the world’s sharks and rays. It is therefore and lays out a clear process for countries to develop
eluding fisheries and vital that Red List assessments are continually updated their own management regimes and regularly revised
other anthropogenic
impacts, the status of to include newly discovered species, report changes in Inadequate governance of fisheries at national and National Plans of Action (NPOAs). Progress on this
all chondrichthyans will species’ conservation status, and allow the impact of international levels poses a particular challenge to the voluntary international instrument has been exceptionally
be monitored as part
of the ongoing Red List interventions undertaken as part of this Global Strategy conservation of sharks and rays. Many species migrate slow, with few countries producing a comprehensive
assessment process,
to be monitored and evaluated. As implementation across national boundaries, often into international plan; indeed, despite IPOA-Sharks’ recognition of the
and any changes in
status will be addressed of the strategy progresses, actions will adapt to new waters, and are landed in multiple fisheries that vary urgent need for action, 15 years after its adoption only
through adaptive
knowledge or changing circumstances reflected significantly in scale and control. Meanwhile, the 9% of the global live weight shark and ray catch is
implementation of the
Global Strategy. through this “living” list. international trade in shark and ray products involves taken by countries that have produced an adequate
numerous centers of demand and complex flows NPOA10. In many cases, this is due to a lack of expertise
between and within countries, regions, and continents. The policy milestones include: and capacity, illustrating the huge challenge faced in
8
This includes five shark
species (oceanic whitetip • the 1994 CITES Resolution on the Status of transforming international commitments into action.
shark, porbeagle shark,
These challenges are exacerbated by institutional gaps, International Trade in Shark Species;
and scalloped, great and
including: insufficient data on the biology, population smooth hammerhead • the 1999 FAO (United Nations Food and Agriculture There is currently an unprecedented window of
Hammerhead embryos, Apex predators program/NEFSC/NOAA.
sharks) and both manta
status, and threats to different species in different rays. The great white
Organization) IPOA-Sharks (International Plan of Action opportunity to transform the conservation of the world’s
regions; and inadequate funds, technical capacity, and shark, whale shark for the Conservation and Management of Sharks); and sharks and rays, supported by increased public and
and basking shark
political will to properly monitor, manage, and control were already listed in • the 2010 CMS (Convention on the Conservation of government interest in these species. This Global
shark and ray fisheries and trade. Conservation efforts CITES Appendix II. Migratory Species of Wild Animals) Memorandum of Strategy capitalizes on these heightened levels of support
Species included in
for these species have been fragmented, dispersed, Appendix II are not Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks. to drive fisheries policy reform, establish effective trade
and under-resourced. This Global Strategy aims to necessarily threatened controls, build technical and other capacities, and
with extinction, but trade
mitigate these challenges under a comprehensive and is controlled to avoid Momentum for change was also boosted by numerous facilitate the engagement of more stakeholders in shark
utilization incompatible
unifying framework for collective action. national efforts and ground-breaking measures adopted and ray conservation. The Global Strategy identifies
with their survival. The
sawfishes are included in by Regional Fishery Bodies (RFBs), including Regional priority actions, in four interconnected strategic areas of
CITES Appendix I.
Sharks and rays face a precarious future – with serious 9
Two of the seven
Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs). These intervention, aimed at achieving these goals.
consequences for marine and freshwater ecosystems sawfish species listed advances were in direct response to the growing
by CITES are now
and the human communities and economies that understood to be recognition of the threats to sharks and rays and –
depend on them. Based on substantial expertise from synonyms; recent bolstered by awareness-raising campaigns and new
reassessment has
key disciplines, this holistic Global Strategy represents clarified that there are governmental conservation commitments – constitute
an unprecedented, coordinated initiative to brighten five valid extant sawfish a promising enabling environment in which to launch a
species.
that future. 10
Davidson et al. 2015. Global Strategy.
8 9
Strategic Plan Strategic Plan
Strategic Areas of Intervention The Global Strategy entails
Global Strategy for the Conservation four concurrent and synergistic
of Sharks and Rays sub-strategies, implemented
This Global Strategy aims to dramatically alter A defining feature of the Global Strategy is that these at the species, country and
the current trajectory of shark and ray decline coordinated, integrated strategies are designed to be regional level to protect at-risk
by promoting the protection and recovery of taken forward through an established NGO partnership, goal species and move fisheries,
the most endangered species, advancing the working in collaboration with numerous other public and By 2025, the conservation
trade and demand from
understanding and conservation of all species private sector actors. Together, we aspire to change how status of the world’s sharks SO
and their critical habitats, and ensuring that sharks and rays are viewed and conserved. and rays has improved –
UR
CE overexploitation towards
the fisheries, trade and demand for these declines have been halted, Saving sharks and rays
sustainability.
species shift from overexploitation towards Three fundamental distinctions inform extinctions have been Targeting the most at-risk
sustainability. this strategy: prevented, and commitments species – protecting those
that are too endangered to
• First is the recognition that some species or to their conservation have exploit – and addressing
To achieve this requires an ambitious, holistic approach, populations can (if properly regulated) support certain increased globally. critical knowledge gaps.
with multiple activities spread across four concurrent and levels of exploitation, while others – because of severe Knowledge gained
interconnected strategies: depletion or intrinsic vulnerability – cannot withstand, through the saving species
• Saving Shark and Ray Species; and should not be subjected to, any extractive use. strategy activities...
• Managing Shark and Ray Fisheries for Sustainability; The Global Strategy incorporates a focus on securing
will inform
• Ensuring Responsible Trade in Shark and Ray strict protections for the most threatened species, are expected to science-based
Products; while ensuring that the use of other species is, or reduce pressure improvements
on sharks and to fisheries
• Encouraging Responsible Consumption of Shark and becomes, sustainable.
rays by preventing
Ray Products. species becoming
• Second are the differences between the threatened Well-managed
Managing shark
The four strategies are designed to be closely linked improvements in fisheries management necessary fisheries...
and ray fisheries
will build a
and encourage synergy of action at different levels. in countries with weak shark and ray fisheries constituency for Targeting fisheries,
is expected to reduce
Crucially, all four strategies combine a variety of management compared with those required in sharks and rays directed fisheries for sharks to address
overexploitation,
ET
approaches, simultaneously encouraging regional countries which already have comprehensive and rays and provide
Shifting demand management gaps
RK
cooperation and the widespread progress that management regimes in place. Countries with more the incentive for them to
S
towards responsible Reducing demand and waste.
MA
RIE
transition to sustainability
can be triggered by international and regional advanced shark and ray fisheries management can consumption of shark and encouraging
HE
and ray products responsible is expected
agreements, while also taking into account the not only continue to strengthen that management,
FIS
Targeting market consumer choices... to provide
specific circumstances, constraints, and conditions but also develop models of best practice and provide demand for shark and the impetus
at a national level, where critical decision-making and technical and other assistance to efforts beyond their ray products, which for fisheries
implementation take place. jurisdictions. are often unsustainably improvements
sourced.
is expected will inform
• Third is the fact that actions need to be carefully to increase science-based
the share of improvements
tailored to reflect the great variability and complex
sustainably to trade
dynamics of fisheries and markets in different parts of sourced shark
the world. For example, very different approaches in and ray products
Making trade
promoting responsible consumption are likely to be
more transparent
successful in countries where traceable and certified and traceable...
Spurdog. © Lill Haugen/the Shark TRust
seafood are available, accepted and affordable, Establishing
compared with those in countries where they are not. responsible trade in
shark and ray products
Targeting unsustainable
The order in which the four strategies and selected international trade in
activities are presented here does not reflect any shark and ray products.
chronological or priority ranking. Prioritization of
TR
interventions will take place on an ongoing basis, to AD
E
respond to the realities of the political environment and
changes in capacity, to build on successes, and to take
advantage of new opportunities and address challenges
as they arise.
10 11Strategic Plan Strategic Plan
Strategic Areas of Intervention The Global Strategy entails
Global Strategy for the Conservation four concurrent and synergistic
of Sharks and Rays sub-strategies, implemented
This Global Strategy aims to dramatically alter A defining feature of the Global Strategy is that these at the species, country and
the current trajectory of shark and ray decline coordinated, integrated strategies are designed to be regional level to protect at-risk
by promoting the protection and recovery of taken forward through an established NGO partnership, goal species and move fisheries,
the most endangered species, advancing the working in collaboration with numerous other public and By 2025, the conservation
trade and demand from
understanding and conservation of all species private sector actors. Together, we aspire to change how status of the world’s sharks SO
and their critical habitats, and ensuring that sharks and rays are viewed and conserved. and rays has improved –
UR
CE overexploitation towards
the fisheries, trade and demand for these declines have been halted, Saving sharks and rays
sustainability.
species shift from overexploitation towards Three fundamental distinctions inform extinctions have been Targeting the most at-risk
sustainability. this strategy: prevented, and commitments species – protecting those
that are too endangered to
• First is the recognition that some species or to their conservation have exploit – and addressing
To achieve this requires an ambitious, holistic approach, populations can (if properly regulated) support certain increased globally. critical knowledge gaps.
with multiple activities spread across four concurrent and levels of exploitation, while others – because of severe Knowledge gained
interconnected strategies: depletion or intrinsic vulnerability – cannot withstand, through the saving species
• Saving Shark and Ray Species; and should not be subjected to, any extractive use. strategy activities...
• Managing Shark and Ray Fisheries for Sustainability; The Global Strategy incorporates a focus on securing
will inform
• Ensuring Responsible Trade in Shark and Ray strict protections for the most threatened species, are expected to science-based
Products; while ensuring that the use of other species is, or reduce pressure improvements
on sharks and to fisheries
• Encouraging Responsible Consumption of Shark and becomes, sustainable.
rays by preventing
Ray Products. species becoming
• Second are the differences between the threatened Well-managed
Managing shark
The four strategies are designed to be closely linked improvements in fisheries management necessary fisheries...
and ray fisheries
will build a
and encourage synergy of action at different levels. in countries with weak shark and ray fisheries constituency for Targeting fisheries,
is expected to reduce
Crucially, all four strategies combine a variety of management compared with those required in sharks and rays directed fisheries for sharks to address
overexploitation,
ET
approaches, simultaneously encouraging regional countries which already have comprehensive and rays and provide
Shifting demand management gaps
RK
cooperation and the widespread progress that management regimes in place. Countries with more the incentive for them to
S
towards responsible Reducing demand and waste.
MA
RIE
transition to sustainability
can be triggered by international and regional advanced shark and ray fisheries management can consumption of shark and encouraging
HE
and ray products responsible is expected
agreements, while also taking into account the not only continue to strengthen that management,
FIS
Targeting market consumer choices... to provide
specific circumstances, constraints, and conditions but also develop models of best practice and provide demand for shark and the impetus
at a national level, where critical decision-making and technical and other assistance to efforts beyond their ray products, which for fisheries
implementation take place. jurisdictions. are often unsustainably improvements
sourced.
is expected will inform
• Third is the fact that actions need to be carefully to increase science-based
the share of improvements
tailored to reflect the great variability and complex
sustainably to trade
dynamics of fisheries and markets in different parts of sourced shark
the world. For example, very different approaches in and ray products
Making trade
promoting responsible consumption are likely to be
more transparent
successful in countries where traceable and certified and traceable...
Spurdog. © Lill Haugen/the Shark TRust
seafood are available, accepted and affordable, Establishing
compared with those in countries where they are not. responsible trade in
shark and ray products
Targeting unsustainable
The order in which the four strategies and selected international trade in
activities are presented here does not reflect any shark and ray products.
chronological or priority ranking. Prioritization of
TR
interventions will take place on an ongoing basis, to AD
E
respond to the realities of the political environment and
changes in capacity, to build on successes, and to take
advantage of new opportunities and address challenges
as they arise.
10 11Saving Species
2025 Saving Species Goal:
Declines of the most endangered shark and ray species have been halted, and
the conservation status of Data Deficient species is understood.
Priority Species sharks and rays which are only found in freshwater: four
Critically Endangered and Endangered Species. Glyphis river sharks and 28 stingrays or whiprays, 19 of
Immediate-term actions focus on four of the most which (the Family Potamotrygonidae) live in the rivers of
severely threatened families that each incorporate northern South America. The threats facing these species
several endangered species: sawfishes (Family Pristidae), include fisheries-related mortality and habitat loss, as well
angel sharks (Family Squatinidae), guitarfishes (Family as, for some species, collection for the aquarium trade.
Rhinobatidae), and wedgefishes (Family Rhyncobatidae).
Sawfish Conservation. © Dana M. Bethea/NOAA
Of the species in these families, 36 (49%) are threatened Data Deficient and Newly Discovered Species.
11
Although the most due to unmonitored and largely unmanaged inshore More than 45% of shark and ray species are currently
complete analysis
of extinction risk coastal fisheries in both temperate and tropical countries. classified as Data Deficient (meaning that information is
of chondrichthyan Many of them are taken as secondary catch and are insufficient to assess the level of threat). Many of these
fishes is presented
in Dulvy et al. (2014), valued for domestic and international markets. To prevent species – the “lost” sharks and rays – have not been
the IUCN Red List of their extinction, these species require extremely focused seen for decades and may already be extinct. Data
Threatened Species
(www.iucnredlist.org) and active interventions, including: stringent fishing Deficient species need targeted field research and data
is updated regularly prohibitions, intensive bycatch minimization, and specific analysis, not only covering their distribution, populations
to incorporate the
results of periodic habitat protections. and ecology, but also the impact of fishing and other
assessments.
pressures. In addition, each year, approximately 12 new
12
Endemism is defined
here as occupying Freshwater Species. This group includes the 32 shark and ray species are discovered, many of which are
an area of less than
500,000 km².
Critically Endangered, Endangered and Data Deficient vulnerable to overexploitation.
Saving Shark and Ray Species Geographic Priorities: Saving Species
A global effort to conserve sharks and rays ray (Electrolux addisoni) and the Endangered angular
must include not only actions to prevent angel shark (Squatina punctata), and to conserve
extinctions of the most threatened species, the most threatened families of sharks and rays.
but also investigation of the status and Securing the future of these species requires active
conservation needs of poorly known species, interventions in several “hotspot” countries, regions
and ongoing progress made in conserving and territories: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia,
Spain
United
all species. Indonesia, Japan, Madagascar, Mozambique, South States (Canary Is)
Africa, Uruguay and Taiwan. Because many more
Myanmar
The Saving Species Strategy sets priority species wide-ranging species also rely on these “hotspots,” Bahamas Taiwan
Cuba
based on: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species11 interventions carried out in these locations are likely Senegal
Laos
Venezuela Pakistan Cambodia
conservation status; population trends; and evolutionary to benefit numerous other threatened species.
Colombia Bangladesh Malaysia
distinctiveness. Geographic priorities are based on:
Ecuador Gabon Kenya Thailand
species richness; threat; levels of endemism12; and Indonesia Papua New
Tanzania
likelihood of conservation success. Analysis of related Peru Guinea
Brazil
Bolivia Madagascar
criteria reveals several particularly important countries, Paraguay
regions and territories. Mozambique
South Australia
Uruguay
Africa
Urgent interventions are needed to prevent the P
riority countries
Argentina
extinction of threatened endemic coastal shark and ray and territories
species, including the Critically Endangered Brazilian
guitarfish (Rhinobatos horkelii) and ornate sleeper
12 13Saving Species
2025 Saving Species Goal:
Declines of the most endangered shark and ray species have been halted, and
the conservation status of Data Deficient species is understood.
Priority Species sharks and rays which are only found in freshwater: four
Critically Endangered and Endangered Species. Glyphis river sharks and 28 stingrays or whiprays, 19 of
Immediate-term actions focus on four of the most which (the Family Potamotrygonidae) live in the rivers of
severely threatened families that each incorporate northern South America. The threats facing these species
several endangered species: sawfishes (Family Pristidae), include fisheries-related mortality and habitat loss, as well
angel sharks (Family Squatinidae), guitarfishes (Family as, for some species, collection for the aquarium trade.
Rhinobatidae), and wedgefishes (Family Rhyncobatidae).
Sawfish Conservation. © Dana M. Bethea/NOAA
Of the species in these families, 36 (49%) are threatened Data Deficient and Newly Discovered Species.
11
Although the most due to unmonitored and largely unmanaged inshore More than 45% of shark and ray species are currently
complete analysis
of extinction risk coastal fisheries in both temperate and tropical countries. classified as Data Deficient (meaning that information is
of chondrichthyan Many of them are taken as secondary catch and are insufficient to assess the level of threat). Many of these
fishes is presented
in Dulvy et al. (2014), valued for domestic and international markets. To prevent species – the “lost” sharks and rays – have not been
the IUCN Red List of their extinction, these species require extremely focused seen for decades and may already be extinct. Data
Threatened Species
(www.iucnredlist.org) and active interventions, including: stringent fishing Deficient species need targeted field research and data
is updated regularly prohibitions, intensive bycatch minimization, and specific analysis, not only covering their distribution, populations
to incorporate the
results of periodic habitat protections. and ecology, but also the impact of fishing and other
assessments.
pressures. In addition, each year, approximately 12 new
12
Endemism is defined
here as occupying Freshwater Species. This group includes the 32 shark and ray species are discovered, many of which are
an area of less than
500,000 km².
Critically Endangered, Endangered and Data Deficient vulnerable to overexploitation.
Saving Shark and Ray Species Geographic Priorities: Saving Species
A global effort to conserve sharks and rays ray (Electrolux addisoni) and the Endangered angular
must include not only actions to prevent angel shark (Squatina punctata), and to conserve
extinctions of the most threatened species, the most threatened families of sharks and rays.
but also investigation of the status and Securing the future of these species requires active
conservation needs of poorly known species, interventions in several “hotspot” countries, regions
and ongoing progress made in conserving and territories: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia,
Spain
United
all species. Indonesia, Japan, Madagascar, Mozambique, South States (Canary Is)
Africa, Uruguay and Taiwan. Because many more
Myanmar
The Saving Species Strategy sets priority species wide-ranging species also rely on these “hotspots,” Bahamas Taiwan
Cuba
based on: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species11 interventions carried out in these locations are likely Senegal
Laos
Venezuela Pakistan Cambodia
conservation status; population trends; and evolutionary to benefit numerous other threatened species.
Colombia Bangladesh Malaysia
distinctiveness. Geographic priorities are based on:
Ecuador Gabon Kenya Thailand
species richness; threat; levels of endemism12; and Indonesia Papua New
Tanzania
likelihood of conservation success. Analysis of related Peru Guinea
Brazil
Bolivia Madagascar
criteria reveals several particularly important countries, Paraguay
regions and territories. Mozambique
South Australia
Uruguay
Africa
Urgent interventions are needed to prevent the P
riority countries
Argentina
extinction of threatened endemic coastal shark and ray and territories
species, including the Critically Endangered Brazilian
guitarfish (Rhinobatos horkelii) and ornate sleeper
12 13You can also read
