News

Identifying shark fins to species level when you don’t have the rest of the animal can be a challenging job. So, fisheries and customs officers in South Africa are being supplied with the latest Shark ID Toolkit to help. Including 3D replica shark fins of species listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The updated toolkit will help support effective management.

We tend to be more familiar with the term ‘rewilding’ when it relates to species that live on land. But now researchers are looking into whether this is possible for dwindling populations of marine animals. The rewilding of Zebra Sharks in Raja Ampat, Indonesia is leading the way to become the world’s first site for the release of captive-bred sharks. And there are thoughts of rebuilding the population of Critically Endangered Flapper Skate in the North Sea.

Is there potential for rewilding of certain marine species? It looks hopeful. But ensuring good fisheries management is in place first is key, to ensure we don't end up back in the same position.

Research into the social behaviour of Bull Sharks in the Shark Reef Marine Reserve, Fiji suggests they can develop ‘relationships’ with other sharks. Data collected from over 3,000 shark dives, spanning 13 years identified evidence for long-term connections between individuals. Yet, more research is needed to determine whether these preferred connections are in fact deliberate.

ICYMI…we celebrated the 2nd International #AngelSharkDay on Saturday 26 June! A day dedicated to showcasing this fascinating, but vulnerable family of sharks. Angel sharks are the 3rd most threatened family of sharks in the world. But progress is being made in angel shark conservation and research. Head over to the YouTube channel to find out what's being done to help conserve these amazing sharks.

Scientists are continuing their research on Smalltooth Sawfish in Southwest Florida. An important habitat for this Critically Endangered ray. Using acoustic tags, researchers will track individual sawfish movements over 4+ years. Results will help to find out if numbers are recovering, following steep declines due to destructive fishing. As well as identify mangrove habitat features important to young sawfish in the area.

Research by the University of Manchester has discovered increased water temperature negatively affects the freeze response times of shark embryos developing in eggcases. Many animals stop moving when a predator is nearby to go unnoticed. Scientists found the freeze response times of Smallspotted Catshark embryos decreased 7-fold when water temperature increased by 5ºC.

It’s not known exactly how these findings will carry over to marine ecosystems. But slower response times could lead to increased predation rates on sharks and skates developing in eggcases and affect populations in the long term.

It’s common knowledge, many shark populations are currently in a precarious position. To help support and sustain healthy populations, scientists have been trialling artificial insemination in Whitespotted Bamboo Sharks in aquariums. The project, which took over 4 years to complete and involved artificially inseminating sharks in 2 aquariums in America, helped to create 97 baby sharks.

Whitetip Reef Sharks off Sabah, Borneo were seen with lesions and spots on their heads. Other shark species off Sipidan Island are also showing similar signs of the disease. Marine biologists are uncertain what’s causing it. But a rise in sea temperature could be the culprit.

A week-long expedition off the Azores is aiming to shed light into the mysterious world of the Bluntnose Sixgill Shark. One of the largest predators of the deep-sea. Using a submersible to descend depths of 4,500 ft, sixgills were tagged with 2 different devices. Data will be collected on their vertical movements, location, speed, depth and surrounding temperature. Video recordings will also be taken. Findings will be compared with data collected from other scientists researching Bluntnose Sixgill Sharks around world to learn more about this species.

A 10 year strategy is being launched by the Wildlife Conservation Society. Helping to protect shark and rays in 10 shark hotspots around the world. Named 10x10 Shark Strategy, it’ll focus on overcoming gaps in conservation actions. Reducing overfishing and ensuring surviving shark populations are protected. Hotspots include Gabon, Mozambique, Bangladesh and Indonesia.