First full nationwide evaluation of Australia’s sharks and rays

The first full evaluation of extinction threat for all Australian sharks, rays and ghost sharks reveals Australia is dwelling to greater than 1 / 4 of shark species on the planet, however 12 % of these are susceptible to extinction.

The Action Plan for Australian Sharks and Rays 2021 has been printed at present by the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program Marine Biodiversity Hub.

Lead creator, Charles Darwin University senior analysis fellow Dr. Peter Kyne says extreme inhabitants declines are driving some species towards extinction and urgent action is required.

“While Australia’s risk is considerably lower than the global level of 37 percent, it does raise concern for the 39 Australian species assessed as having an elevated risk of extinction,” Dr. Kyne stated.

“Around Australia, many of our threatened sharks and rays are not commercially important so these are largely ‘out of sight, out of mind,” however they require safety at nationwide, state and territory ranges.

“There are positive signs that protection and management is working for some iconic species such as the White Shark and Gray Nurse Shark, although our assessment shows that these species remain threatened.”

Marine Biodiversity Hub Director Dr. Alan Jordan says the Action Plan is the primary try at a complete nationwide overview for managers of all sharks and their habitats.

“It identifies priority at-risk species, those that need further protection and species of no immediate concern,” Dr. Jordan stated.

Co-author Dr. Michelle Heupel from the Australian Institute of Marine Science says the success of Australia’s sturdy deal with sustainable fisheries is demonstrated by the truth that some 80% of Australia’s 328 shark species are usually not threatened.

“In Australia, comprehensive fisheries management along with vast areas that are unfished or lightly fished and the marine protected area network have helped secure the status of many species,” Dr. Heupel stated.

Australian waters additionally function a refuge or “lifeboat” for 45 species which are threatened in different elements of the world such because the Giant Guitarfish and the Spotted Eagle Ray.

“These species remain secure in Australian waters,” Dr. Kyne stated.

“But whereas we should always have a good time the safe standing of many species, we urgently want to extend our analysis and administration efforts for Australia’s threatened sharks and rays.

“This book is a call to action to secure all Australian sharks, rays and ghost sharks for the future.”

Provided by
NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub