Nearly one-third of the shark species in the global fin trade are at risk of extinction, according to a new study by Florida International University. FIU marine scientist Demian Chapman and his team collected samples from Asian seafood vendors and various other sources. Of the over 4,800 tissues collected, they identified almost 80 shark, ray and chimaera species […]
Greater protection on sharks likely at UN conference
The International Fund for Animal Welfare is hopeful that after four days of intense negotiation, world governments are set to increase protection for a range of shark species at the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), a UN wildlife conference today, including the world’s largest fish, the whale shark. By contrast, the CMS looks to be […]
Scientists find overfishing of North Atlantic makos
Scientists associated with the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) released their report on the status of Atlantic mako shark populations, revealing serious overfishing and depletion in the North Atlantic. New analyses show that the North Atlantic mako population has a 54% chance of recovering by 2040 if catches are cut to […]
New study reveals secret life of whale sharks
QUEENS LAND, AUSTRALIA (PRpoint Release) — Whale shark researchers have marked International Whale Shark Day by solving a long-standing mystery about where the world’s largest fish go during the Australian spring and summer. In a world-first, researchers from The University of Queensland and the non-profit ECOCEAN have tracked and recorded a full return migration of whale sharks […]
Study finds endangered sharks still major part of international trade
The University of Guelph study used DNA testing to accurately identify 129 shark fins and ray gill plates purchased from markets in Canada, China and Sri Lanka, and confirmed the parts came from 12 species of endangered sharks and rays. Dirk Steinke, adjunct professor in the department of integrative biology at the University of Guelph, […]
The Klute: Poet Laureate of Ocean Predators
Through his work with the Squali Studium Est Optimus Conservation Team, The Klute is trying to save the sharks one stanza at a time. “My goal is to educate and entertain,” the award-winning slam poet said. “I love sharks but they are kind of taking it on the chin right now so I wanted to […]
Drink Red Brick beer, save whale sharks
Atlanta’s oldest brewery, Red Brick Brewing Co. and Georgia Aquarium have teamed up to raise money for whale shark research and conservation with a new shark-themed ale, Whale Shark Wheat. Whale Shark Wheat is an American style wheat ale featuring El Dorado, Sorachi Ace and experimental hop varieties. It is a soft, easy drinking beer with a […]
Shark fin bill passes committee, now heads to Senate
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee passed the Shark Fin Trade Elimination Act of 2017 (S.793), which would prohibit the import, export, sale and trade of shark fins. Next, the bill must be brought up on the Senate floor. Shark finning is currently prohibited in U.S. waters, however, there are no prohibitions on the […]
Oceana sues Trump Administration to protect dusky sharks
WASHINGTON- (Press Release) Today, Oceana, represented by Earthjustice, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for its continued failure to end the overfishing of dusky sharks in U.S. waters and rebuild the depleted population, as required by law. The lawsuit was filed in response to a final rule the federal government issued in April to […]
Hammerhead shark migration gives new hope for conservation
A target of both the recreational fishing and shark-fin trade, the global population of the instantly recognizable Great Hammerhead shark is estimated to have declined by ~80% over the last 25 years. The Great Hammerhead has been listed on the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) as endangered since 2007. It has also […]