News

The government of Morocco has announced a national prohibition on the fishing, storage, and trade of Shortfin Mako Sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus), in line with a broader measure agreed in November 2021 through the International Commission for Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).

A new paper in the journal Conservation Science and Practice, led by Arizona State University Faculty Research Associate David Shiffman, has identified 35 research priorities that scientists can use to shape their research on threatened shark species in the United States.

Scientists have identified a new species of angel shark found on the upper continental slope off the Caribbean coast of Panamá. Distinguishing characteristics and genetic analysis helped to separate Squatina mapama from Squatina david, a closely related species also found in the region. This makes Squatina mapama the fourth new angel shark species to be identified in the Western Atlantic in the last decade. For the full paper visit here.

Another new species of shark…this time a catshark! This newly described species belongs to the Scyliorhinus genus and was identified from the islands of Mikurajima, Hachijojima, and Torishima in southeastern Japan. As with the discovery of the new species of angel shark, scientists used distinctive physical characteristics alongside DNA analysis to verify Scyliorhinus hachijoensis as a new species.

A recent study by a team of scientists from University of Miami has revealed warming ocean temperatures is altering the timings and locations of Tiger Shark migration in the Northwest Atlantic. Analysis of satellite tagging and environmental data over the span of nine years uncovered a poleward expansion in migration patterns. These findings have implications for the conservation of this Near Threatened shark.

Following from the recent global assessment of >1000 species of shark and ray and its findings that overfishing is driving over 1/3 of these species toward a global extinction crisis, it could seem like we’re facing a lost cause. But scientist, conservationists, and advocates reveal clear policies and steps forward that bring hope for the future.

With 191 species of shark, skate, ray, and chimaera found in its waters, South Africa is rightly known as a hot spot for cartilaginous fishes. With over 30% of these sharks threatened with extinction, researchers and local communities are joining together to find more effective ways of conserving shark populations. Including the development of Marine Protected Areas (MPA). Find out more about the benefits, and challenges of utilising MPAs to protect sharks and rays in the Western Cape.

Ever wondered what goes into a global assessment of over 1,000 species of shark and ray? An astonishing amount of knowledge, expertise, and teamwork that’s what! Many will be familiar with the recent report that revealed a staggering 1/3 of all shark and ray species are now threatened with extinction. But just what does it take to gather and analyse the data needed to assess this many species, and through a pandemic? Three hundred and fifty-three experts from more than 70 countries were involved in gathering and analysing data for 1,199 species. Local experts were involved from every country and region discussed, facilitating long-term collaborations that perhaps would not have developed otherwise. The process took over five years, beginning with in person workshops and ending with online meetings. Whilst shocking, the results from this intense and comprehensive study puts sharks on the IUCN Red List Index for the first time and in front of policymakers.

They’re normally sighted off the coast of California between July and October. But recent drone footage has captured hundreds of Leopard Sharks swimming in the shallows of La Jolla Beach, San Diego in November. Known for forming large groups, these sharks will often head out to coastal waters during the winter months as salinity and temperature decreases. Check out the photos!