Shark/Ray Conservation and Research Bias

National contributions to shark landings (above) and scientific output (below) (source: shark landing data were obtained from the FAO). Modified from Figure 5.2 in : Momigliano, P. and Harcourt, Robert (in press). The Science-Law Disconnect. In: Klein, N. and Techera, E. (eds.) Sharks: Conservation, Governance and Management. Earthscan Series, Routledge

With a quarter of all sharks and rays threatened with extinction, extensive scientific research is needed to promote proper conservation management of these species. The question is, have research efforts been conducted in the right areas?

Elasamobranch Deep Sea Food-Falls

Animals in the deep ocean rely on detritus (marine snow) as their main source of food. On rare occasions, the remains of large plants and animals make their way to the seafloor, known as a food-fall.

Ethical Shark Fishing?

Last month, a pair of fisherman caught a hammerhead shark and dragged it to shore by the tail as a crowd cheered on. This recent spectacle has raised an old debate over the ethics of extreme angling. Hammerheads are protected by both state and federal law because of their declining numbers. According to fishing regulations the shark should have been released right away, but defining this rule can get tricky. The fisherman who landed the shark claims to have released the shark as quickly as possible. However, even a quick release might not be enough as the stress from the fight can kill the shark. Even if the shark is seen swimming away it can still die later after the release. 

Read the full article by Jenny Staletovich from the Miami Herald