A new global study of sharks, rays and chimaeras (closely related to sharks) has shown overfishing is driving most species to extinction as demand for their meat rapidly increases – but Australia is currently bucking the trend.
James Cook University fisheries researcher Ana Barbosa Martins said the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has released its report on the global status of sharks, rays, and chimaeras.
The 2000-plus page resource was developed by more than 400 specialists, including 16 JCU associates, across 158 countries and jurisdictions, encompassing the most up to date information for this threatened group.
She said the report highlights the global demand for shark and ray meat has nearly doubled over the past 20 years.
"The value of this product is now 1.7 times the value of the shark fin trade. The trade has also diversified and products such as ray gill plates, liver oil and skins are now valued," said Dr Martins.
She said overfishing remains the main driver of population declines.
"Previous assessments already indicated that one third of sharks, rays and chimaeras globally are threatened with extinction," said Dr Martins.
Dr Andrew Chin, Director of the Fish and Fisheries Lab at JCU, said Australia is currently bucking the trend through more comprehensive management of fisheries.
"This is an important contribution to global conservation of sharks, rays, and chimaeras as one quarter of the world's species are found in Australia," said Dr Chin.
Dr Jonathan Smart, a fisheries stock assessment scientist and Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at JCU, said Australia has a strong history of research and management for sharks, rays and chimaeras.
"As a result, targeted shark fisheries in Australia are either sustainable or are effectively managing the recovery of stocks where overfishing has occurred. The greatest risk to populations is through by-catch of non-target species that cannot tolerate moderate to high levels of fishing pressure," said Dr Smart.
"There are also risks from habitat loss related to development, resource extraction and some types of fishing," said Dr Martins.
"The report identifies gaps in knowledge about population trends, improvements in bycatch mitigation along with improved knowledge of habitat degradation and pollution as areas where Australia can improve," said Dr Michael Grant, a JCU researcher and editor of the report.
JCU Masters student Melissa Ciampaglia highlighted the socioeconomic and cultural importance of sharks, rays, and chimaeras for indigenous and coastal communities in Australia and around the globe.
"Understanding these interactions is important, because they shape how governments, industries, people, and communities value their sharks, rays, and chimaeras, and engage with conserving and managing them," said Ms Ciampaglia.
"This report is a call to action so we can work together and help these species to continue to thrive in aquatic ecosystems," said Dr Rima Jabado, IUCN Deputy Chair and Species Survival Commission (SSC) Shark Specialist Group Chair, who led the 2024 report.
