Global shark fishing mortality still rising despite widespread regulatory change

Worm, Boris; Orofino, Sara; Burns, Echelle S.; D’Costa, Nidhi G.; Manir Feitosa, Leonardo; Palomares, Maria L. D.; Schiller, Laurenne; Bradley, Darcy

doi:10.1126/science.adf8984

Cited by 25 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…Mercury concentrations are similar in all muscle tissue including fins (O’Bryhim et al 2017 ; Kim et al 2016 ), which are often also used as a basis for soup (Barcia et al 2020 ). This is noteworthy given the practice of shark fin soup consumption in Asia (Worm et al 2024 ).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 91%

“…Sharks are a diverse and important group of marine species, as there are over 470 species of sharks that are defined within eight Orders in the subclass Elasmobrachii (i.e., elasmobranchs, which include sharks, skates, and rays), containing several top predators that are known to have cascading impacts on ecosystems they inhabit (Hammerschlag et al 2019 , 2022 ). Sharks are an important source of food in many cultures, and have been severely overexploited, with many species facing high extinction risk (Gallagher et al 2012 ; Pacoureau et al 2021 ; Sherman et al 2023 ; Worm et al 2024 ). Most shark species are known to contain elevated muscle Hg concentrations and their use as top trophic level bioindicators for marine ecosystems is well established.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Global mercury concentrations in biota: their use as a basis for a global biomonitoring framework

Evers,

Ackerman,

Åkerblom

et al. 2024

Ecotoxicology

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An important provision of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted measures and its implementation. Here, we describe for the first time currently available biotic mercury (Hg) data on a global scale to improve the understanding of global efforts to reduce the impact of Hg pollution on people and the environment. Data from the peer-reviewed literature were compiled in the Global Biotic Mercury Synthesis (GBMS) database (>550,000 data points). These data provide a foundation for establishing a biomonitoring framework needed to track Hg concentrations in biota globally. We describe Hg exposure in the taxa identified by the Minamata Convention: fish, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals. Based on the GBMS database, Hg concentrations are presented at relevant geographic scales for continents and oceanic basins. We identify some effective regional templates for monitoring methylmercury (MeHg) availability in the environment, but overall illustrate that there is a general lack of regional biomonitoring initiatives around the world, especially in Africa, Australia, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Temporal trend data for Hg in biota are generally limited. Ecologically sensitive sites (where biota have above average MeHg tissue concentrations) have been identified throughout the world. Efforts to model and quantify ecosystem sensitivity locally, regionally, and globally could help establish effective and efficient biomonitoring programs. We present a framework for a global Hg biomonitoring network that includes a three-step continental and oceanic approach to integrate existing biomonitoring efforts and prioritize filling regional data gaps linked with key Hg sources. We describe a standardized approach that builds on an evidence-based evaluation to assess the Minamata Convention’s progress to reduce the impact of global Hg pollution on people and the environment.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 91%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global mercury concentrations in biota: their use as a basis for a global biomonitoring framework

Evers,

Ackerman,

Åkerblom

et al. 2024

Ecotoxicology

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“…These dramatic declines of shark populations due to over shing have received notable attention in the research literature (Baum et al 2003; Myers et al 2007;Ferretti et al 2010) and spurred signi cant change in regulatory policy. However, despite these recent increases in protective regulation, including nning bans and stricter catch policies, global shark shing mortality still continues to rise due to demand for shark products and through bycatch (Worm et al 2024;Hammerschlag and Sims 2024).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

DNA barcoding reveals mislabeling of endangered sharks sold as swordfish in New England fish markets

Eppley,

Coote

2024

Preprint

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Mislabeling of shark and swordfish meat poses a substantial challenge to conservation of rapidly declining pelagic shark populations in the North Atlantic, so routine market assessments are critical. New England’s southern region of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island has a historic reliance on fisheries and seafood consumption, including sharks and swordfish. The visual similarity of shark and swordfish meat is considerable, and as such, this study aimed to evaluate mislabeling of shark for swordfish meat collected from markets and grocery stores in New England in 2019. DNA barcoding was used on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene to determine unambiguous identification of 38 collected samples, which were either labeled as Shortfin Mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), Common Thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), or swordfish (Xiphias gladius) in market. Mako, an IUCN Red List Endangered species and Thresher, an IUCN Red List vulnerable species, are additionally listed on the CITES Appendix II List. Barcoding and phylogenetic analysis revealed four mislabeled samples for a total substitution rate of 10.5%. One substitution, labeled ‘Mako’ in the market, was identified as Thresher shark. Three further substitutions, labeled as ‘Swordfish’ in the market were identified as Mako, Alopias spp., and a Lamnid shark, all of which are endangered or threatened shark species. As samples were collected just before implementation of major import monitoring programs and a Mako fishing ban in the United States, this study has established a temporal baseline that can be used to determine if market mislabeling has decreased as a result of these conservation initiatives.

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“…Elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, and skates) are a functionally diverse subclass of high ecological, economic, and cultural significance, yet they are among the most threatened taxa in the marine environment [1,2]. Many elasmobranch species have conservative lifehistories and are vulnerable to extinction due to overfishing, bycatch, habitat loss, and climate change effects [3,4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rays in the Shadows: Batoid Diversity, Occurrence, and Conservation Status in Fiji

Glaus,

Gordon,

Vierus

et al. 2024

Biology

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Over recent decades, elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, and skates) have been increasingly recognized among the world’s most threatened marine wildlife, leading to heightened scientific attention. However, batoids (rays and skates) are relatively understudied, especially in Large Ocean States of the Pacific. This synthesis compiles insights on batoid diversity and occurrence in Fiji’s waters by integrating a literature review, participatory science programs such as the Great Fiji Shark Count (GFSC) Initiative, Projects Abroad Fiji (PA), Manta Project Fiji (MPF), and iNaturalist, along with environmental DNA. Nineteen batoid species from seven families were identified: 19 species from the literature, 12 from participatory science programs, and six from eDNA analysis. Notably, this study provides the first photographic evidence for the bentfin devil ray (Mobula thurstoni, Lloyd, 1908) in Fiji. GFSC data indicated the highest species diversity in the Western Division, with spotted eagle rays (Aetobatus ocellatus, Kuhl, 1823) and maskrays (Neotrygon sp.) being observed most. In-person interviews conducted by PA provided information on the occurrence of wedgefishes and potentially sawfishes. MPF records and iNaturalist uploads were dominated by reef manta rays (M. alfredi, Krefft, 1868), while the pink whipray (Pateobatis fai, Jordan and Seale, 1906) yielded the most DNA sequences. Overall, 68.4% of the species face an elevated extinction risk based on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List criteria. Although caution is warranted with older literature-based records for the giant guitarfish (Glaucostegus typus, Anonymous [Bennett], 1830), giant stingaree (Plesiobatis daviesi, Wallace, 1967), and the lack of sawfish verification, this synthesis highlights the effectiveness of a combined methodological approach in establishing a reference point for the diversity and occurrence of this understudied taxon in Fiji.

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Global shark fishing mortality still rising despite widespread regulatory change

Cited by 25 publications

References 40 publications

Global mercury concentrations in biota: their use as a basis for a global biomonitoring framework

Global mercury concentrations in biota: their use as a basis for a global biomonitoring framework

DNA barcoding reveals mislabeling of endangered sharks sold as swordfish in New England fish markets

Rays in the Shadows: Batoid Diversity, Occurrence, and Conservation Status in Fiji

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