New studies have discovered over 200 strategies for the protection of sharks and rays across the 22 coastal states in the Mediterranean region. Despite the inclusion of elasmobranchs on numerous policy agendas, the study revealed significant disparities in the effectiveness of monitoring these legislations, with no unified system for tracking advancements in shark conservation and management at the national level.
According to recent research, overfishing, illegal fishing, and the rising market for shark meat are serious dangers to the more than 80 shark and ray species that dwell in the Mediterranean Sea.
This research assessed the current legislative measures in place for the protection of elasmobranch populations (including sharks, rays, and skates) across the 22 Mediterranean coastal states.
The researchers discovered over 200 relevant measures across these nations, from Spain and Morocco in the west to Israel, Lebanon, and Syria in the east, which include everything from national laws to conservation initiatives led by various NGOs.
Nations within the European Union typically had more protective measures in place compared to non-EU countries, with Spain leading the way. Governments were primarily responsible for 63% of these measures, mostly focusing on legal requirements.
However, even as elasmobranchs gain attention on many policy fronts, the study uncovered significant variations in how effectively these legislations are monitored, lacking a central repository for checking progress in shark conservation and management efforts.
Experts and NGOs across the Mediterranean region pointed out that sharks are increasingly caught both intentionally and unintentionally by fishers to fulfill the demand for shark products.
Unfortunately, there is often minimal oversight regarding where sharks are landed. Researchers are advocating for enhanced monitoring to safeguard vulnerable species, alongside more public awareness and incentives for fishers to adopt equipment that poses less risk to shark populations.
This research, which appears in the journal Biological Conservation, marks the first comprehensive evaluation of actions taken to protect shark populations through international legal frameworks.
Led by Dr. Lydia Koehler and Jason Lowther, both experts in environmental law from the School of Society and Culture at the University of Plymouth, the study highlights urgent issues in shark conservation.
Dr. Koehler, an Associate Lecturer and member of the IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL), remarked: “Sharks have been an integral part of the marine ecosystem for millions of years, with an evolutionary lineage that predates the dinosaurs. More than 1,000 elasmobranch species exist globally, serving various ecological functions, from apex predators that sustain healthy prey populations to a food source for other species. Nevertheless, many Mediterranean shark species have faced severe population declines in recent decades, with over half at risk of extinction due to overfishing and related pressures, including bycatch. Thus, exploring effective conservation strategies is critically important.”
Mr. Lowther, an Associate Professor of Law, added: “This research highlights significant discrepancies in the efforts made by different countries in terms of shark conservation. These discrepancies could relate to resource availability, expertise, and a general willingness to implement measures amid competing pressures. To achieve favorable outcomes for these species, there must be not only governmental support but also sustained political commitment across electoral cycles and a long-term dedication to instigating change. Additionally, involving communities within the Mediterranean region is essential, and we believe this work provides a foundational starting point for such engagement.”
Suggestions for safeguarding sharks in the Mediterranean
The authors of the study have put forward several recommendations to enhance the conservation and protection of shark and ray species throughout the Mediterranean Sea:
- Enhance transparency across the board: Improving reporting mechanisms to elicit more detailed information on actions taken and acknowledge contributions from key stakeholders would increase transparency;
- Broaden cooperation and engage the fishing community with social science insights: Addressing shark governance issues effectively will require the involvement of the fishing community and an understanding of community dependencies and frameworks;
- Expand spatial conservation efforts: Altering the management objectives for existing Marine Protected Areas that support sharks could significantly improve their conservation;
- Boost regulatory compliance to minimize bycatch: Enforcing current laws can greatly enhance knowledge about incidental shark bycatch in the region;
- Enhance funding availability, particularly for collaborative regional initiatives: A review of existing funding sources and priorities can aid in identifying conservation and management actions for threatened and endangered shark and ray species;
- Align research with policy requirements to develop effective regulations: Coordinated research efforts are essential across the region to facilitate stock assessments and a comprehensive understanding of fish populations, threats, etc.
