iucn mediterranean sharks (pdf) - The Shark Trust

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7. Chondrichthyan monitoringprogrammes in the MediterraneanLack of adequate scientific information is often cited as beingone of the reasons for failing to introduce or implementsuitable management measures for chondrichthyan fishes. Itis widely recognised, however, that the need for precautionarymanagement is urgent and should proceed based on whateverinformation is available. Several research and monitoringprogrammes have taken place and continue to operate in theMediterranean Sea that contribute knowledge, enabling effortsto develop shark conservation and management to progress.For example, the MEDLEM project (Mediterranean LargeElasmobranch Monitoring) collects data on incidentalcaptures, sightings and strandings of cartilaginous fishes inthe Mediterranean Sea. This project was initiated in 1985, andwas accepted by the FAO-GFCM Scientific AdvisoryCommittee meeting when presented in 2004 (GFCM 2004).It is anticipated that the GFCM will officially adopt the MEDLEMdatabase in the near future. See http://www.arpat.toscana.it/progetti/pr_medlem.html for more information.The Mediterranean International Bottom Trawl SurveyProject (MEDITS) was initiated in 1993, in response tothe difficulties of obtaining estimates of demersalresources from fishing activity, and to support theregulation of these heavily exploited demersal fisheries inthe Mediterranean. The aim of the MEDITS Project is toprovide standardised information on the status of theseresources within the Mediterranean region by carrying outa universal programme of repetitive trawl surveys. Theobjectives of the surveys are (i) to contribute to thecharacterization of bottom fisheries resources in theMediterranean in terms of population distribution (relativeabundance indices) as well as demographic structures(length distributions), and (ii) to provide data for modellingthe dynamics of the studied species (Baino et al. 2001;IOF 2006). See http://www.izor.hr/eng/international/medits.html for more information.The Italian national demersal survey programme GRUND(Gruppo Nazionale Risorse Demersali), initiated in 1982,covers the whole of the Italian coastline, which is divided into11 areas. Each area uses their typical trawl gear to carry outsurveys. These are not identical but similar, as they all derivefrom the original commercial Italian trawl (Fiorentini et al.1999). See http://www.politicheagricole.gov.it/default.htmfor more information.Additional information on species biology and ecologycan be obtained from scientific research carried outthrough programmes such as tagging of migratory species.For example, the MedSharks project uses techniques suchas photo-identification and tagging to carry out researchin the Mediterranean. Sandbar sharks Carcharhinusplumbeus have been the focus of MedSharks researchsince 2001, and basking sharks are also being monitored.See http://www.medsharks.org/home_eng.htm formore information.25
8. ConclusionThis report presents the first comprehensive regional IUCNRed List of chondrichthyan fishes of the Mediterranean Sea.With 30 out of 71 species considered threatened (42% areCritically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable); theMediterranean region has some of the most threatenedchondrichthyan populations in the world. Currently, justeight species (six sharks and two rays) are granted someform of protection under international or regionalagreements. Three main management measures (deepseafisheries, driftnetting and shark finning bans) are now inplace in the Mediterranean; these should directly benefitchondrichthyan populations. However, effectiveimplementation of these protection and management toolsis vital for these measures to have any beneficial impact.It is clear that additional management measures areurgently needed for threatened species, and to regulateexploitation of depleted commercial stocks.Due to insufficient knowledge and information, 18 specieshave been assessed as Data Deficient. Despite the currentlack of data, this group could actually include some of themost vulnerable chondrichthyans; increased funding andresearch attention needs to be directed towards these species.Although limited data availability is often cited as a problem,it should not, however, be used to justify the lackof management.Bycatch is considered the biggest threat to chondrichthyanfishes in the Mediterranean, potentially affecting all speciespresent. In many cases it is unclear whether current catchlevels are sustainable, mainly because of the lack of speciesspecificreporting. Any increase in fishing effort, particularlyif unregulated, is therefore an obvious cause for concern.Improved research and monitoring of chondrichthyanbycatch is vital.Particularly vulnerable life history characteristics wereconsidered to contribute to the threatened status of 87% ofMediterranean chondrichthyans, emphasising the need fora precautionary approach to their management(FAO 1995).Habitat loss, habitat degradation, human disturbance andrecreational fisheries all pose a threat to a number ofchondrichthyans in the Mediterranean. Considering theusually high trophic level of this group of fishes and hencecontribution to ecosystem function, it is essential toconserve their diversity as well as whole ecosystems(Tudela 2004). Healthy fisheries are dependant on theproductivity of the ecosystem. Responsible fisheriesmanagement should take into account the profoundinteractions between fisheries and their supportingecosystems by applying the ecosystem approach tofisheries (FAO 2003). Management measures such as ‘notake zones’ and Marine Protected Areas could be employedto reduce pressures on chondrichthyan populations andsafeguard critical habitats.Assessing the threatened status of Mediterraneanchondrichthyans would not have been possible withoutthe collaboration of experts from many countries withinthe region. However, information is still lacking from manycountries, particularly in the south and easternMediterranean. It is essential that this strong regionalcooperation continues, and that new collaborations withother countries are forged, so that the work carriedout to produce this first evaluation of the threatenedstatus of Mediterranean chondrichthyans can beprogressively broadened and updated as newinformation becomes available.26
Page 2: Overview of the ConservationStatus
Page 7 and 8: This report is dedicated to the mem
Page 9 and 10: Although the Mediterranean is a sem
Page 11: Least Concern (LC). Also highlighte
Page 14 and 15: 3. Results and discussionThe region
Page 16 and 17: Table 3.2 Summary of numbers of Med
Page 18 and 19: 3.2.3 Target fisheriesTarget fisher
Page 20 and 21: 4. Case studiesEight case studies f
Page 23 and 24: 4.5 Rabbitfish Chimaera monstrosaLi
Page 25 and 26: important to note that this species
Page 27 and 28: Table 5.1 Mediterranean chondrichth
Page 29 and 30: The following chondrichthyans are l
Page 31: 6. Fishing restrictions and managem
Page 35 and 36: 10. ReferencesAldebert, Y. (1997).
Page 37 and 38: Journal of Aquatic Living Resources
Page 39 and 40: Chondrichthyan Fishes. IUCN/SSC Sha
Page 41 and 42: Class: CHONDRICHTHYESFamily Scienti
Page 49: Appendix 2. Summary of the IUCN’s

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