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Shark News - Issue 11 | January 2025
Content:
- 4 Editorial – A Note from the Chair
- 6 Q&A with Wildlife Photographer Andy Murch – Seeing is Believing
- 28 Sharks and the North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC)
- 34 Shark Spotlight : Gulf Torpedo (Torpedo sinuspersici)
- 38 The Impacts of Tourism on Sharks and Rays
- 56 Amazing Shark and Ray Science Discoveries from 2024
- 62 ISRAs of Asia, Polar Waters, and New Zealand & Pacific Islands
- 80 Scaling Up Citizen Science for Shark and Ray Conservation
- 88 7th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) 2024
- 94 26th European Elasmobranch Association (EEA) Conference 2024
- 104 5th IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Leaders' Meeting 2024
- 108 4th Meeting of the CMS Sharks MOU Advisory Committee (AC4) 2024
- 110 A Third of Sharks, Rays and Chimaeras are Threatened with Extinction, as New Report Narrows in on Solutions
- 120 A New Hammerhead Shark: The Shovelbill Shark
- 128 Shortfalls in the Protection of ISRAs undermine Shark Conservation Efforts in the Central and South American Pacific
- 130 pproaches for Identifying Areas of Particular Importance for Marine Biodiversity
- 132 Meat on the Menu and Fins for Export : Latin America’s Shark Trade with Asia
- 136 Ecological Erosion and Expanding Extinction Risk of Sharks and Rays
- 140 Catsharks Lay Eggs on Plastic : A Sign of Adaptation or a Warning of Conservation Crisis?
- 148 The Road Ahead for the Recovery of Oceanic Whitetip Sharks
- 158 Protection efforts for an aggregation of female Bull Sharks off Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- 168 Kitefin Shark in the Guatemalan Caribbean Sea
- 172 Socioeconomic Aspects and Value Chain of the Shark and Ray Small-Scale Fishery in Guatemala
- 178 The Bluntnose Sixgill Shark in the Guatemalan Caribbean Sea
- 180 Getting Curious : Shark Conservation through Education Programmes with InSeason Fish
- 188 Discovery of the Eyebrow Wedgefish in Malaysia
- 198 Assess Working Group Update : IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Update 2024
- 206 Film Review : Sharkwater Extinction (2018) – Advocacy, Policy Making, and Implementation
- 212 Wildlife and Ocean Fest : Dive into Conservation Celebrations
- 216 harks International 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka
- 224 Inclusive Coasts and Seas : Connecting Diverse Voices
- 226 Funding Opportunities
- 228 Upcoming Meetings
- 230 Our Sponsors and Supporters
Summary
Welcome to the January 2025 edition of Shark News, where stunning imagery meets groundbreaking research and heartfelt conservation efforts. This issue is a feast for the senses and the intellect, offering readers a captivating blend of breathtaking photography, compelling stories, and critical insights into the lives of sharks, rays, and chimaeras.
At the heart of this edition is an extraordinary showcase of Andy Murch’s incredible journey to photograph every species of shark, ray, and chimaera on the planet. Murch’s work underscores why these animals are worth preserving—not just for their intrinsic beauty but for the critical roles they play in marine ecosystems. His photography reminds us that seeing is indeed believing and that every captured moment is a call to action for their conservation.
This issue takes a deep dive into human impacts on these creatures, with a spotlight on shark tourism. Whether it’s swimming alongside Whale Sharks in the Philippines or cage-diving with Great Whites, tourism offers unparalleled opportunities for people to connect with marine life. However, as the issue explores, these interactions come with responsibilities. The final factsheet in our “Human Impacts” series emphasizes the importance of well-regulated practices to ensure the safety of both humans and animals. Learn how guidelines and codes of conduct can mitigate negative impacts while fostering awareness and appreciation for these magnificent creatures.
The conservation narrative continues with updates on the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) initiative. Over half of the world’s oceans are now mapped with designated ISRAs, and the work continues to expand. Explore how this initiative is not just mapping, but also safeguarding vital habitats. Plus, exciting new citizen science opportunities—such as the PADI AWARE Foundation’s Global Shark and Ray Census—promise to bring public participation into the fold like never before.
This issue highlights breakthroughs in Central America and the Caribbean. Discover the newly identified Shovelbill Shark in Belize, the ambitious market surveys in Guatemala, and the education programs in India aiming to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. From remote fishing villages to bustling urban classrooms, these efforts show that conservation knows no borders.
Finally, Issue 11 celebrates milestones, including the much-anticipated release of the Global Status of Sharks, Rays, and Chimaeras Report. With contributions from over 350 experts worldwide, this comprehensive document provides a critical snapshot of the health of these species and sets the stage for informed policies and actions in the years ahead.
