Sharks

This report from the IUCN Shark Specialist Group includes the first compilation of conservation status assessments for the 282 chondrichthyan species (sharks, rays, and chimaeras) recorded from North American, Central American, and Caribbean waters. The status and needs of those species assessed against the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species criteria as threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable) are highlighted.

Recognizing the importance of promoting global efforts underway for sustainable development of the oceans, the Göteborg Award Selection Jury is pleased to distribute a special volume, Sustainable Development of the World’s Large Marine Ecosystems during Climate Change on the occasion of the presentation of the 2010 Göteborg Award.

Briefing paper presented at the World Oceans Conference, Manado, Indonesia providing an analysis of trends in shark catch.

In 2007 the Shark Specialist Group convened an expert workshop with the aim of using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria to assess the conservation status of pelagic sharks and rays. This report provides a detailed summary of the IUCN Red List assessment for these species, highlighting species of conservation concern as well as identifying species assessed as Least Concern and Data Deficient.

The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) currently includes three species of chondrichthyan fishes on its Appendices, in recognition of their unfavourable conservation status and need for concerted international conservation measures. The primary purpose of this study was to prepare a database of migratory chondrichthyan fishes (the sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras) and to use it to identify potential species that would benefit from a CMS listing.

Many shark populations are in serious decline worldwide with little shark fisheries management in place. The IUCN Shark Specialist Group has compiled a Global Status Report for Chondrichthyan Fishes (the Sharks, Rays and Chimaeras), with Red List assessments for over 100 species and regional reports on the status of shark fisheries, together with information on taxonomy; life history; trade; socio-economics; threats; and conservation and management initiatives.

Sharks and their relatives, the rays and chimaeras, are the diverse group of cartilaginous fishes that have evolved over 400 million years. Historically considered of low economic value to large-scale fisheries, today many of these fishes have become the target of directed commercial and recreational fisheries around the world, and they are increasingly taken in the by-catch of fisheries targeting other species.