More than 70% of the shark species whose fins are sold are in danger of extinctionbased on the results of an international investigation led by Florida International University (FIU).
Samples of 9820 fin clippings from the markets were taken for the study. Hong Kongone of the world’s largest centers of their trade, and were subjected to genetic analysis to determine which species they belonged to, the FIU notes in an article about the study.
A total of 86 different species have been discovered, of which 61, more than two-thirds of the total, are endangered, according to a study recently published in Conservation Letters, which was conducted by scientists from USA and China.
Blue sharks (Prionace glauca) and silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis), both open and pelagic, are the most common species in the Hong Kong fin trade.
However, most of the found species have their own habitat in coastal areas such as the hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini), blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) or smooth hammerhead shark (Sphyrna zygaena).
The researchers warn that without management, many coastal species could become extinct. In fact, three coastal species are considered extinct, all in countries where shark fishing is not regulated.
“If the relevant governments do not respond soon (with protective measures), we are likely to face a wave of extinction of coastal sharks and rays,” said Demian Chapman, director of the Shark Conservation Program. sharks and Race at the Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium, and an adjunct professor at FIU.
Diego Cardenosa, FIU researcher and lead author of the study, added that “overfishing is likely the direct cause of the decline trends we are seeing in shark and ray populations around the world.”
WARNING SIGN
The results of this study are “a warning signal that international trade can be a major driver of economic growth.” erratic fishing”, he added.
In 2021, the Red List of Endangered Species of the International Union Nature Conservancy (IUCN) evaluated sharks and their relatives, rays and chimeras, and found that about a third of all species are endangered.
The published study provides new data and is part of a study that has been underway for nearly a decade to track and monitor the global trade in shark fins.
To date, a team of scientists working in collaboration with BLOOM Association Hong Kong and Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden have tested DNA up to about 10,000 small pieces of imported finished fins, which are sold in the Hong Kong and South China markets. China.
The goal is to know which species are being sold and how much, in order to inform decision makers about the results of the measures taken to conserve them.
“Some countries protect or sustainably fish sharks and their relatives, but most do not for various reasons,” Chapman said.
One way to encourage better management of species is to list them in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement aimed at protecting animals and plants from overexploitation destined for international trade. .
19th meeting of the Council Conference of the Parties (CoP19) CITES will take place in November and this study will provide “key evidence” drawing the attention of governments to the plight of coastal sharks and showing that only a small percentage of the total shark fin trade is currently governed by the Convention, the FIU said.
(EFE)
Source: RPP
I’m Liza Grey, an experienced news writer and author at the Buna Times. I specialize in writing about economic issues, with a focus on uncovering stories that have a positive impact on society. With over seven years of experience in the news industry, I am highly knowledgeable about current events and the ways in which they affect our daily lives.