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?

The Conservation looked into 20 years of scientific literature on shark conservation and found that the species at most risk, and the areas most effected by the collapse in shark and ray populations, are not getting enough attention.

While research has increased in the past few decades it has been driven primarily by only two countries, Australia and the United States. However, in the locations where the most shark fishing occurs (Indonesia, India, Taiwan, and Spain) there is almost no conservation or management research being conducted. This can partially be explained by the distribution of wealth among these countries. Now, it is important to remember that sharks (and rays) can be highly mobile and effective management in one country can be spoiled by another countries poor management.

To learn more about shark/ray conservation and research bias read the full article: Scientists focusing on the wrong sharks in the wrong places