Global Shark and Ray Populations Halved Since 1970, Conservationists Gather to Chart Path Forward
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More than 800 researchers and conservationists convened in Sri Lanka for Sharks International, the world's largest shark conference, to address a critical decline in populations. Overfishing has halved shark and ray numbers since 1970, with more than a third of species now threatened with extinction. The conference focused on sharing research and developing concrete conservation measures, including improving trade monitoring and marine protections.
Facts First
- Overfishing has halved global shark and ray populations since 1970
- More than a third of shark and ray species are threatened with extinction
- Researchers presented findings on a $2.6 billion global shark meat trade from 2012-2019
- Current trade data is often imprecise, with only 29% of landings reported to the species level
- Conservation measures discussed included rewilding and improving marine protected areas
What Happened
More than 800 researchers and conservationists gathered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for Sharks International, the world's largest shark conference. Presenters shared research on the global trade in sharks, the plight of rays, and specific conservation measures, including rewilding initiatives, improving marine protected area effectiveness, and bolstering monitoring and enforcement systems.
Why this Matters to You
The health of shark and ray populations is a key indicator of ocean ecosystem stability, which affects global fisheries and food security. The significant global trade in shark meat, valued at $2.6 billion from 2012-2019, suggests these species are a major economic resource that requires sustainable management. Improved conservation and monitoring efforts could help stabilize these populations and the marine environments they support.
What's Next
Researchers are advancing tools to better track the trade, such as a big-data project from Dalhousie University mapping landing and trading locations. Addressing gaps in trade data, where shipments can be labeled merely as 'shark' or 'ray' and only 29% of landing data is reported to the species level, may be a focus for future policy and enforcement. The conservation measures discussed at the conference are likely to guide ongoing and future conservation initiatives.