Senegal's Artisanal Fisheries Harvest Over 100,000 Sharks and Rays, Many Endangered
Similar Articles
Global Shark and Ray Populations Halved Since 1970, Conservationists Gather to Chart Path Forward
Shark Meat Now Dominates Global Trade, Outpacing Fin Value and Volume
Study Identifies Over 1,000 Marine Resource Conflicts in Africa Over 11 Years
Major Whale Shark Study Reveals New Migration Routes and Nursery
Sri Lankan Sawfish Populations Face Critical Decline, Study Finds
A year-long study in Senegal counted more than 100,000 sharks, rays, and guitarfish harvested at two landing sites, estimating the actual catch was at least 174,000. Most of the catches comprised species at risk of extinction, and many were traded abroad without obligatory export permits. The research suggests Senegal's annual catch of these species could be far higher.
Facts First
- Direct count of over 100,000 sharks, rays, and guitarfish harvested at two Senegalese sites from June 2021 to July 2022.
- Estimated actual harvest of at least 174,000 due to specimens being stacked together.
- Most catches comprised species at risk of extinction.
- Many species were traded abroad without obligatory export permits.
- Annual national catch could be between 1.7 million and 3.5 million, based on extrapolation from two sites.
What Happened
A study analyzed landings at two major artisanal fishery processing sites in Senegal's Casamance region. From June 2021 to July 2022, researchers directly counted more than 100,000 harvested sharks, rays, and guitarfish. They estimated the actual number was at least 174,000 because many specimens were stacked together, preventing accurate counting. The study found that most of the catches comprised species at risk of extinction and that many species were traded abroad without obligatory export permits.
Why this Matters to You
This research highlights a significant pressure on global marine ecosystems. The harvesting of endangered species on this scale could affect the health of ocean fisheries and the availability of seafood over time. The international trade of these species without proper permits may undermine global conservation efforts designed to protect vulnerable wildlife.
What's Next
The researchers covered only two out of dozens of landing sites in Senegal. The study estimates that the total number of rays and sharks caught and processed annually in Senegal could be between 1.7 million and 3.5 million. This suggests the issue may be far larger than the documented count. Further monitoring and enforcement of international trade regulations could be needed to address the scale of the harvest.