News News Digest - August Our selection of top shark stories, highlighting the latest news and discoveries from around the world... Baby Smoothhound Could Be First Case of ‘Virgin Birth’ in Species 21 August The recent birth of a Common Smoothhound Shark in a marine centre in Sardinia is thought to be the result of a ‘virgin birth’. The baby shark in question was born to a female housed in a tank with one other female. Known as parthenogenesis, or asexual reproduction, this mode of reproduction occurs without mating. If DNA tests confirm asexual reproduction, this discovery is thought to be the first of its kind recorded for this species. #StateofNature Good news for nature! Following a multi-organisation campaign, and the signatures of 280,000+ people who signed the #StateofNature petition, Defra announced they will make England the first country ever to put a deadline for the recovery of nature in the law! This binding nature recovery target will hopefully see more wildlife, including sharks and rays, in years to come. Paper: The Role and Value of Science in Shark Conservation Advocacy 17 August The Shark Trust has long promoted science at the heart of shark conservation. This recently published study highlights the value and complexities of incorporating science in shark conservation advocacy. As well as potential opportunities for scientists and advocates to collaborate more effectively when addressing conservation issues. UK Government Confirms Plans to Ban Trade of Detached Shark Fins 15 August The UK has reconfirmed its plans to ban the import and export of detached shark fins as part of a commitment to ongoing engagement in Regional Fisheries Management Organisations and international wildlife treaties. This world-leading trade ban will include shark fin products such as tinned shark finned soup, further reinforcing the UK’s position as a leader in shark conservation. Deep-Water Shark Nursery Discovered Off Coast of Tel Aviv 14 August Scientists have discovered a nursery area for deep-water sharks off the coast of Israel where hundreds of small sharks, and even more eggcases have been sighted. This significant discovery highlights the importance of this marine habitat in the Eastern Mediterranean and how much there is still to discover. Researchers Launch Tracking Study of Critically Endangered Wedgefish in Mozambique 12 August Researchers at the Marine Megafauna Foundation have kicked off a tagging study involving two species of Critically Endangered wedgefish in Mozambique. Scientists will tag Bottlenose Wedgefish and Bowmouth Guitarfish using two different types of tag to find out more about their critical habitat, movements, range, and the threats they face. The findings from this study will have implications for future protection measures of wedgefishes in the region. #Rally4Makos Summer Postcard Campaign 9 August We’ve just launched our #Rally4Makos Summer Campaign and would love for you to get involved! Just like you, many decision makers are currently on their summer holidays. But that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to #MakeTime4Makos! Make sure your voice is heard this summer by sending digital postcards to EU and US Ministers encouraging them to #FollowTheScience at ICCAT this year and support a complete ban on retention of Shortfin Mako in the North Atlantic. Just head to the Shark League #Rally4Makos website and follow the simple steps to send your postcards! Related Links: ► News Digest - July ► More newsBanner image: Basking Sharks © Andrew Pearson Manage Cookie Preferences