Shark Focus - Issue 62 by The Shark Trust

EVOLUTIONTHEOFSHARKSKIN SH RKF O C U S BREAKDOWNSCIENCE DIGGING INTO SHARK DNA FINNING IS THE END IN SIGHT? GETTING UNDER THE SKIN OF SHARKS IN WAYS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE ISSUE 62 SUMMER CONSERVATIONSHARK2019 LET’S TALK

There are a few more changes based on the responses from our member’s survey that we promoted in the last issue. While the survey did give us a diverse set of opinions, there was a general sense of “more of the same”. We’ve added pages for more content and we’ve devoted this issue to going into more detail about various areas of conservation work that we’re involved in. feedback has given us some great ideas for future issues. keep your comments and suggestions coming. It’s your magazine so let us know what you want to see. wish to make please contact me or click on the “join” button (topright) on our website. You can set up a direct debit from as little as £3 per month. If you’re unsure of your payment method or amount, you can email me at sharktrust.orgglenys@ and I’ll be happy to help. Thank you for all your support - it’s greatly appreciated.

We hope you enjoy the Summer 2019 issue. WELCOMEWELCOMEsummer2019 ISSUE 62 ADDRESS:TRUSTSHARK 4 Creykes Court, The Millfields, Plymouth, PL1 3JB, UK PHONE: +44 (0)1752 672008 EMAIL: focus@sharktrust.org WEBSITE: www.sharktrust.org TRUSTEES: Peirce.KennardCharlesSarahCovey,Ensell-Bowen,JayneRogerDanFairweather,FowlerOBE,Hood,TomandRichard PATRONS: Steve Backshall, Nick Baker, John Boyle, Leonard Compagno, Marc Dando, Bob Earll, Nigel Eaton, Ian Fergusson, Mariella Frostrup, Loyd Grossman, John Gummer MP, Monty Halls, Martha Holmes, Kate Humble, Sir David Jason OBE, Gordon Ramsay OBE, Simon Rogerson, MichaelaStafford-Deitsch,JeremyStrachan and Valerie Taylor. © Shark Trust 2019 Shark Focus is copyrighted so those wishing to reproduce articles must first contact the Shark Trust. The views and opinions expressed by the authors are not necessarily those of the Shark Trust. DESIGN: Hazel crossfireagency.comGraham YOUR membership is very important to us. It maintains a channel of actions.ourallowsoverfundssourcechange.advocatinglouderAllowswithcommunicationoursupporters.ustohaveavoicewhenforProvidesaofunrestrictedtokeeparoofourheads.AndustodeliverconservationAsacharity,we keep a close eye on all costs to ensure that we’re maximising the funds we can dedicate to we’vecoupleyear.domembershipassociatedrealistic.subscriptionstriveconservation.sharkWetokeepourlevelsButthecostswithourbenefitsinevitablyriseeachOverthelastofyears,gradually increased the minimum subscription for new members, and we’ve been asking all long-term members to consider adjusting their regular contributions to take account of price rises. Thank you to the many of you that have increased your subscription or moved onto a monthly direct debit.Ifyou

changes,

Please

IT’S HERE. Shark Focus 62 and, if you’ve had a quick flick through, you’ll see that we’ve had another little change around. We’ve had a great response to our new Pup’s Club and the number of our younger members is on the rise. So, we thought it’d be good to give them a little bit more of the magazine to enjoy. Turn to the back cover to see what we’ve done.

HOUSEKEEPING EVOLUTIONTHEOFSHARKSKIN SH RKF O C U S BREAKDOWNSCIENCE DIGGING INTO SHARK DNA FINNING IS THE END IN SIGHT? GETTING UNDER THE SKIN OF SHARKS IN WAYS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE CONSERVATIONSHARK LET’S TALK GLENYS HEAFIELD Company Secretary //Head of Finance and Administration COVER: CT of Smallspotted Catshark hatchling headrendered by Rory Cooper, scanned by Kyle Martin and Amin Garbout at The Imaging and Analysis Centre, Natural History Museum, London. sharktrust.org2.

Your

3.sharktrust.org FEATURES 08 SHARK CONSERVATION Pieces of a Jigsaw 10 PROTECTING HIGH SEAS SHARKS 11 RHINO RAYS & MAKOS CITES 12 . REALISING POTENTIALTHEOFCMS 13 MARINE PROTECTED AREAS 14 SHARK FINNING Is the End in Sight? 16 BASKING SHARK POSTER 21 DECODING THE GREAT WHITE SHARK Tom Hird 22 EVOLUTION OF SHARK SKIN 26 . SHARK CAREERS A Day in the Life REGULARS 04 YOUR VIEWS 06 GLOBAL SHARK NEWS 15 . SHARK TALK Ali Hood 18 FUNDRAISING Heather Carstens 19 SHARK TALK Paul Cox 20 CREATURE FEATURE Sandtiger 28 . PUP’S CLUB CONTENTS 06 . 22 . 26 . 14 . DAY thein LIFE Evolution of SHARK SKIN GLOBAL shark news S HARKfnning 08 . matter... the CONSERVATION JIGSAW issue

HENDERSONGRANT©

GREAT WHITES IN THE UK?

“Please can you help us settle a debate, have there ever been Great White Sharks in UK waters?” - JOSH Shark Trust: As exciting as that would be, it’s very unlikely. There have been no confirmed sightings or strong evidence to suggest White Sharks are here. Yet, British waters do provide good conditions for them, so it’s not impossible. The closest confirmed report was of a female White Shark captured in 1977 in the northern Bay of Biscay – 168 miles off Land’s End in Cornwall.

IN THE NEWS: GREAT WHITE SHARK CHOKES TO DEATH ON SEA TURTLE

“I saw the sad story of the shark that choked on the turtle. But is it normal for such a situation or is it that the sharks have less prey..?” - RACHEL STEVENS

Send your questions, comments and photos to focus@sharktrust.org and you may appear in our next issue. fromFindWales!outmore about the Great Eggcase Hunt at www.eggcase.org.

STAR

Shark Trust: Whilst this reported news story is unusual, in terms of food choice it‘s not. White Sharks feed on a wide selection of prey including fish, shellfish, seals, squid, other sharks, skates, rays, and turtles. Other shark species have even been known to ingest reindeer or car tyres that have ended up in the ocean.Blue Skate eggcase found in Wales

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YOUR views

UNUSUAL EGGCASE FINDS… This White Skate eggcase was found by Catriona Smyth in Crossapol on the Isle of Tiree. Catriona says it was a rough sea the day she found it, so lots of seaweed was washed up and this eggcase was mixed amongst it. White Skate eggcases tend to be found along Celtic Sea coasts, but we’ve had some scattered finds submitted to the Great Eggcase Hunt – including Peterhead, Fair Isle, and Gwynedd in North Wales.We don’t have many Blue Skate records on the Great Eggcase Hunt database. In fact we have four beach records (all from Cornwall). So when Mari Williams got in touch with her find we were very excited…it was a Blue Skate eggcase from Pembrokeshire, the first one we’ve had

White Skate eggcase found on the Isle of Tiree

“Here is Coral in her super cool ‘shark gang’ body suits!...I am, and have always been, shark mad so hopefully that rubs off on Coral and we get the next generation as involved in preserving and conserving these amazing animals as possible!” - RACHAEL DAVIES Rachael sent in these adorable photos of her daughter, Coral, modelling our shark gang body suits. And we just had to make this our star letter.

YOURLETTERVIEWS

LARGETOOTH SAWFISH ROSTRUM

DONATED BY TIM SYKES Following a tweet, Tim got in touch about a rostrum he bought in a brica-brac shop in Eastleigh over 15 years ago. As an ecologist, he says his house is full of assorted rocks, fossils, dead stuff, wood, and miscellaneous debris… he rediscovered the rostrum in his loft and wanted to donate it to us.

“It was a fantastic sight watching it gracefully go about its own business”JASON BEESTON Shark Trust: On 14th April, a

DONATED BY EMMA WAIN A Narrow Sawfish rostrum was donated by Shark Trust supporter Emma Wain who contacted us after seeing a tweet about the project. It was left with her by a student over 10 years ago and no provenance was known, but Emma wanted it to be used in conservation and so sent it on to us. This is our smallest rostrum at just 34.5cm long.

RostraLargetoothNarrow,(top-bottom):Green,andSmalltooth

“Very lazy and benign, it wasn’t in the least bit frightened of us sailing beside it”HOLBOROWSIMON Shark Trust: On 12th April, we received one of our first Basking Shark sightings of 2019! Simon encountered a 5m long Basking Shark while sailing 2 miles south of Falmouth in Cornwall. Basking Sharks are often spotted around the UK from May-October. If you spot one remember to record your sighting www.baskingsharks.orgat

SINCE LAUNCHING THIS PROJECT, WE’VE HAD A NUMBER OF SAWFISH ROSTRA KINDLY DONATED TO US. WE MEASURE AND TAKE TISSUE SAMPLES OF ALL OF THESE, WHICH FEEDS INTO A NUMBER OF RESEARCH PROJECTS.

GREEN SAWFISH ROSTRUM

HERTFORDSHIRE CONSTABULARY. In late 2018, we received a call from PC Jos Bartlett from the Rural Operational Support Team at Hertfordshire Constabulary. They had confiscated a rostrum from someone attempting to sell it online without an A10 Certificate*. It was passed on to PC Martin Beck from Devon & Cornwall Police (below) who delivered it to Shark Trust’s Cat Gordon for education and research. Written on the rostrum is: Shot at Little Aden [Yemen] (September 1962) by G.A. Hooker with a speargun. They rarely have this much detail associated!

PROJECTOPERATIONALUPDATE: See A Saw

Richard contacted us after reading about See A Saw in Shark Focus #58 . He had a rostrum which was given to him by a late friend, who said it‘d been in her family for many years. Richard was keen for samples and measurements of this 96cm rostrum to be added to the study, and then to find it a good home. With Richard living in Aberdeenshire, ex-Shark Trust Conservation Officer Al Reeve collected it and ensured it made its way safely down to our office in Plymouth.

*Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) All five species of sawfish are listed on CITES Appendix I, which prevents trade unless in exceptional circumstances. Despite sawfish not being present in British waters, in the UK an Article 10 Certificate is required by any establishment displaying a CITES listed artefact for commercial purposes –whether to entice custom or selling the item. If it’s in a personal collection (and is not being sold) then no certificate is needed. Find out more about this project at www.sharktrust.org/sawfish

NARROW SAWFISH ROSTRUM

DONATED BY

CORNWALLSIGHTEDBASKING@nessscubadivers.FacebookYouSharksubmittingBigLochcarronduringDiversNessonwasFlapperlargeSkatecapturedvideobyScubateam,adiveatinScotland.thankstothemforthistoourSightingsDatabase.canviewtheirvideoonSHARKIN

Richard with his Smalltooth Sawfish rostrum

DONATED BY RICHARD CINDEREY

SMALLTOOTH SAWFISH ROSTRUM

INSKATELARGESIGHTINGSSHARKFLAPPERSIGHTEDHIGHLANDS

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AUSTRALIA // Warming waters leading to more ‘right-handed’ sharks? Scientists researching the effects of climate change on Port Jackson Sharks have identified changes in brain development as a result of elevated water temperatures. Researchers incubated eggcases from Port Jackson Sharks in current and projected end-of-century water temperatures (~3°C higher). They discovered that sharks reared in higher temperatures displayed a preference towards the right compared with those exposed to current water temperatures; a result of behavioural lateralisation. This study highlights the vulnerability of elasmobranches to ocean warming.

Stronger Finning Ban Agreed for Mediterranean Sharks!

Driven by the actions of the Trust and Shark League partners, the annual General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) made the groundbreaking decision to strengthen the regional ban on shark finning in the Mediterranean. Member parties agreed to adopt a “fins attached” policy which means that sharks landed in the Mediterranean are now required to have their fins naturally attached to their bodies. A success for sharks in the Med!

PHILIPPPINESNOVEMBER//

SOUTHEASTJANUARYASIA//

DECEMBER

Port Jackson Shark

DICHLERSEMADELEINE©

6. MEDITERRANEANOCTOBER//

NEWSGLOBAL

GLOBAL news

New species of lanternshark discovered. Another new species of lanternshark named Martha’s Lanternshark ( Etmopterus marshae ) has been described, this time in the Philippines. Found at depths of ~330m, this new species exhibits green eyes and an inky, dark body. And, as with all lanternsharks, it’s capable of emitting light using luminescent photophores on its belly and flanks.

Historic specimens used to discover “lost shark” A previously undescribed whaler shark has been identified as a new species using three preserved museum specimens caught in the Western Central Pacific in the 1940’s. Carcharhinus obsolerus or the “Lost Shark” has not been seen in over 80 years and is feared to already be extinct, prior to researchers obtaining any real knowledge of its biology, habitat and distribution. sharktrust.org

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released updated Red List assessments for 58 species of sharks and rays, 17 of which were classified as threatened with extinction. The Shortfin Mako, one of our No Limits? campaign species, for which we continue to advocate for science-based management in the Atlantic, was reclassified as Endangered following a 60% decline in the Atlantic over the last 75 years. Its cousin, the Longfin Mako was also listed as Endangered. A stark reminder of the precarious position many sharks are in across the globe.

Broadnose Sevengill Shark

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GLOBALMARCH// IUCN Red List shark and ray updates

FEBRUARY

Manta Ray ROMEIROJOEMAAGT;DEPETERJONES;STEVE©

SOUTH AFRICA // Broadnose Sevengill sharks fill the void left by White Sharks Since 2015, the population of White Sharks off Seal Island, South Africa has been declining with sightings reaching an all-time low in 2017-2018. In place, another top predator has begun to fill the void – Broadnose Sevengill Sharks. Scientists studying shark populations identified the presence of this new predator coincided with the absence of White Sharks. Prior to this, the closest records of Sevengills in this area were from kelp beds ~18km away. Whilst the disappearance of the iconic White Shark remains a mystery, the presence of a new predator highlights how the loss of an apex predator can alter a marine ecosytem.

MARCH

COSTA RICA // Reef Manta Ray recorded in the Eastern Pacific A pregnant Reef Manta Ray was sighted off Cocos Island in the Eastern Tropical Pacific for the first time. They’re circumgloballyfoundbut have never previously been recorded in the Western Pacific Ocean. Whilst mantas are known for travelling hundreds of miles, this new record represents the longest ‘straight line’ journey of any thisofundetectedorveeredaren’tdocumented.previouslyScientistssurehowshesofaroffcoursewhetherapreviouslypopulationReefMantasexistinregion.

8. PIECES OF SHARK CONSERVATION IN THIS SECTIONT

HighProtectingSeasSharks 11 . Rhino Rays & MakosCandidates for CITES 12 . Realising the Potential of CMS

The last few years have seen an acceleration of diverse actions for sharks. Consumer campaigns in China. Action on high seas fisheries. Shark “sanctuaries”. Dedicated species action plans. Listing of species on international agreements like CITES (p.10) and CMS (p.12). Small-scale and large-scale. Supply and demand. Simple and complex. Local and global. There are long-standing debates about these different approaches. Which should be adopted as THE best method to save sharks? But the truth is that there’s probably no single solution but rather a jigsaw of complementary actions that contribute to the big picture. We look at a few of the current issues and give our10perspective..

he destination is clear but the journey is fraught with complications. What’s the best route? Where are the dead ends? Should we all follow the same path or approach from different directions? Is there a silver bullet solution for sharks?

9.sharktrust.org A JIGSAW The road to securing the future of SHARKS is long and winding. How do we make sense of it all and follow the best path? 13 . Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) 14 . Le FinIs the End in Sight? 15 . Sum of the Parts LARSENBJORNMORTEN©WHITETIPOCEANIC

10.

HIGH SEAS SHARKS PROTECTING

Combining trade and catch LIMITS for effective shark conservation

T his year is meant to be a ‘CITES year’*. A year when the near on 200 nations who are Parties to CITES gather at the Conference of Parties (CoP) to address matters of wildlife trade. But what is CITES, where does it fit in the landscape of shark and ray conservation, and more specifically within our usual mantra on catch limits?

However, for those CITES listed sharks caught within a nations waters (Exclusive Economic Zone or EEZ) there are no trade restrictions on domestic landings or internal trade – so we need effective catch limits to ensure sustainable management of these domestic fisheries.

While CITES doesn’t directly affect shark mortality, it should influence the need for sustainable fisheries management. CITES listed species caught in high seas waters require a number of permits when they’re landed to show where they’ve come from and that they’re from sustainable populations. Even if the sharks are being landed by a vessel registered by the country they’re landing into. If this requirement is properly implemented this is great news for our pelagic species where the majority of the landings come from high seas waters. Without high seas catch limits it would be challenging to prove sustainable fishing.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments. Established in 1973, CITES’ aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Species are proposed for listing by a Party on one of three Appendices. Listing is not guaranteed. So by regulating trade in species that cross international borders, CITES can be a valuable tool to reduce over-exploitation and drive national management plans. Yet, much of the ocean doesn’t come under the jurisdiction of a single country, which complicates the enforcement of trade restrictions on marine species. In fact 64% of the surface of the ocean, and a staggering 95% of its volume, is classed as ‘international waters’ – the high seas. The fisheries management framework for these waters is primarily delivered through the tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organisations - (t)RFMOs. Sharks are often caught as a ‘wanted bycatch’ alongside the tuna and swordfish. And although the tRFMOs have a remit for sharks, it’s usually fair to say that they’re not the priority species when it comes to management. A number of pelagic sharks of commercial interest have been listed on CITES in recent years (Porbeagles, Silkies, Threshers, hammerheads and Oceanic Whitetips). This CITES CoP, alongside Giant Guitarfish and Wedgefish (p.11), mako sharks are proposed for Appendix II. So how can CITES and RFMOs deliver the best outcome for this exceptionally vulnerable No Limits species?

devastatingthetoDueJune.03-May23fromLankaSriinheldbetoduewasCoPCITES*The August.untilpostponedbeenhasCoPtheApril,inLankaSriinterrorismofacts

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LIMITING CATCH TO SUSTAINABLE LEVELS IS VITAL FOR ENSURING THE FUTURE OF SHARKS AND RAYS

Limiting catch to sustainable levels is vital for ensuring the future of sharks and rays. Adding effectively-implemented trade restrictions should reinforce limits, providing an additional layer of scrutiny. And encouraging adoption of catch limits where nations or RFMOs have been slow to act.

APPENDIX

RHINO RAYS AND MAKOS THE LATEST CANDIDATES FOR CITES LISTING

Eighteen species are proposed for listing on Appendix II this year at CoP18. meet the candidates: WHAT’S NEXT: The CITES CoP18 will be hosted later this summer. If successful, these additional listings would then provide another means through which to seek countries’ commitments to effectively managing these vulnerable species. Visit our website and sign up to our newsetter to keep up to date with developments.

PROPOSAL #42 Mako Sharks Fast, sleek and highly valued for their meat as well as fins, makos’ low biological productivity leaves vulnerableexceptionallythemto overfishing. A focus of our No Limits? caughtmakocampaign,areofteninassociation with swordfish fisheries on the high seas. Shortfin Mako ( Isurus oxyrinchus ) is proposed for listing, with Longfin Mako ( Isurus paucus ) as a look-alike species. I: For threatenedspecies with extinction, prohibited.specimensincommercialInternationalwheretradewild-takenis II: For species not threatenednecessarily with extinction now, but for which trade must be controlled to avoid becoming so. III: Species for which a country is asking Parties to help with its protection.

I.AppendixonlistedSawfishesoffamilyentirethewithranks,theirjoinedhaveraysandsharksofspecies26dateTo2002.inbackIIAppendixCITESonlistedbetoelasmobranchsfirstthewereSharksBaskingandSharks*Whale

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PROPOSALS #43 & #44

Giant Guitarfish and WedgefishThe ‘Rhino Rays’ Large, dorso-ventrally flattened, and ideally adapted for life on the seabed, it’s the impressive dorsal fins of the ‘Rhino Rays’ which makes them much sought after for the fin trade. The IUCN Shark Specialist Group consider the Giant Guitarfishes and Wedgefishes as at an extremely high risk of extinction , and among the most threatened elasmobranchs globally. Two species of Giant Guitarfish, Blackchin Guitarfish ( Glaucostegus cemiculus ) and the Sharpnose Guitarfish ( Glaucostegus granulatus ), and two species of White-Spotted Wedgefish ( Rhynchobatus australiae & Rhynchobatus djiddensis ) have been proposed for listing, with four other Giant Guitarfishes and eight Wedgefishes included as lookalike species.

White-Spotted Wedgefish

Mako Shark

TERMINOLOGYCITES We’ve referred to a number of ‘permits’ available to CITES Parties to control trade. These include: ● Legal FrameworkAcquisition ● FindingNon-Detriment ● VisitfromIntroductiontheSeaCITES.org for more on species listings and its legal framework.MURCHANDYCAREY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM;RICHWALTER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM;LUKAS© APPENDICESCITES APPENDIX

MOST COUNTRIES are not living up to shark and ray protection commitments made under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), according to a comprehensive review launched late last year by Shark InternationalAdvocates(SAI).

Sharks Ahead: Realizing the Potential of the Convention on Migratory Species to Conserve Elasmobranchs documents national and regional actions for 29 shark and ray species listed under CMS from 1999 to 2014.CMS is a global treaty aimed at conservation of wide-ranging animals. This and other potentialagreementsinternationalhavegreatforimproving the population status of many shark species fished across multiple jurisdictions. The 126 CMS Parties have committed to strictly protect Appendix I-listed species and work internationally toward conservation of those listed on Appendix II.

The report covers CMS Parties’ conservationdomesticmeasures for the shark and ray species listed under CMS Appendix I prior to 2017: White Shark, all five sawfishes, both manta rays, all nine devil rays, and the Basking Shark. Regional progress through fisheries bodies is also evaluated for the sharks and rays listed on Appendix II during this time period: Whale Shark, Porbeagle, northern hemisphere Spiny Dogfish, both mako sharks, all three threshers, two hammerheads, and the Silky Shark. We conclude that the listing of shark and ray species under CMS is outpacing the implementation of the vital conservation commitments that come with listings. Only 28% are meeting all of their CMS obligations to strictly protect Appendix I-listed species in their waters. Such inaction by member countries squanders the potential of CMS to enhance shark and ray conservation globally. The need to limit shark and ray catches is particularly urgent.The report gives special focus to the Shortfin Mako Shark (listed on CMS Appendix II in 2008). The North Atlantic population is now depleted, and overfishing continues despite a 2017 conservation measure adopted by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Roughly half of the ICCAT Parties are also Parties to CMS and yet none of them has called for heeding scientists’ advice to ban retention of North Atlantic makos. The European Union is responsible for more mako catch than any other CMS Party, and – as such –is urged to lead efforts to establish effectivenessforandlimits.internationalscience-basedmakofishingReadthefullreportitsrecommendationsimprovingtheofCMSatwww. sharkadvocates.org . SAI is a Washington, DCbased, non-profit project of The Ocean Foundation dedicated to science-basedsecuringpolicies for sharks and rays. SAI and the Shark Trust have a long history of collaboration.

REALISING THE POTENTIAL

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BY SONJA FORDHAM, SHARK ADVOCATES INTERNATIONAL

It stands to reason. If working to protect sharks that move across different national waters and the high seas, you need to have conservation agreements between nations. These agreements often arrive to international fanfare. But what happens next? A major new report has put the Convention on Migratory Species under the spotlight. We asked one of the report’s authors to bring us up to speed.

Globally, many sites have been specifically designated for the protection of sharks and rays. The arguments for MPA’s, sometimes described as “shark sanctuaries”, are intuitively strong. You create an area of ocean where exploitation is restricted or prohibited, and species will benefit. But it’s a bit more complicated when animals travel across a large “home range”. Shark and ray MPA’s make up 29% of all MPA’s. But research in 2017 found that only one species of imperilled shark had its entire range within an MPA. There’s concern that if MPA’s have been proposed as “problem solved”, poorly planned MPA’s could be actually discouraging other conservation actions from being enacted.

Happily, research is now informing models of best practice that can maximise the benefit of designation.

It’s been estimated that, with sufficient planning, an expansion of just 3% could cover half of the range of 98 more imperilled sharks and rays. Ultimately, fisheries management needs to be at the centre of planning effective MPA’s. And sufficient resources for monitoring and compliance are essential to their success.

sharktrust.org 13.

Find out more: A Practical Guide to the Effective Design and Management of MPA’s for Sharks and Rays , published in May by WWF is available for download online.

M arine protected areas (MPAs) have an increasing profile as a means of species conservation.

MARINE PROTECTED AREAS FOR SHARKS AND RAYS 32 6% MILLIONMPA’SRAYANDSHARKKM2OFTHETOTALOCEANSURFACEINTHAT’SCOVERING 2018, THERE WERE ” “GLOBALLY, MANY SITES HAVE BEEN SPECIFICALLY DESIGNATED FOR THE PROTECTION OF SHARKS AND RAYS 38 EDITIONATOLLANDALISHAAHINA© White-Spotted Guitarfish

2 Either way, illegal fisheries ignore bans and best practice. Here there are issues of detection and enforcement

1 There are loopholes in the fin:carcass ratio approach (see box). Unscrupulous fishermen can exploit this ratio to continue finning for part of their catch.

OUR STOP SHARK FINNING CAMPAIGN NOW TARGETS:

2 The reduction of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fisheries and the enforcement of shark fisheries control measures. IS THE IN SIGHT?

WHAT IS SHARK FINNING? “Shark finning” is the removal of fins at sea and dumping the fin-less shark in the water. Not all shark fishing involves finning. Removing fins from the shark and bringing fins and carcass to port is NOT classed as finning, neither is removing fins once ashore. HAS IT BEEN BANNED? Finning has been banned by many major fishing nations (including the EU) and by all of the international high seas management bodies (RFMOs). It’s estimated that about 70 individual nations have adopted finning bans. That number continues to grow.

ADDALWAYSDON’TBANSWHYUP

CARCASSFIN:RATIO NATURALLYFINSATTACHED Shark fins

1 The universal adoption of FNA. Ending at-sea fin removal, easing enforcement and aiding science-based management.

FINNING BANS VARY BETWEEN NATIONS BUT GENERALLY TAKE ONE OF TWO FORMS: Fins may be removed at-sea but body and fins must be brought ashore. Weights of fins and carcasses should be within an accepted ratio. This is a broughttoremainrequiresmeasurestrongerwhichthatfinsattachedthebodyuntiltoland.

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SO, IS THE PROBLEM SOLVED? Sadly not. There are two main problems;

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Shark fnning has been a topic of CONVERSATION for years, DECADES even. So, why is it still an issue after all these years? which undermine all efforts to control finning and manage shark fisheries. This is why we continue to push for universal adoption of Fins Naturally Attached (FNA). So, despite hard won and significant progress, the work continues.

Banning finning is not the same as banning fins. There are campaignsorganisationsmanyandaimed at banning the trade and consumption of shark fin. These have been a success in raising awareness, but they don’t always make sense in the bigger picture. Why? This isn’t an easy question to answer. And not everyone would agree. Sharks are mostly caught in mixed fisheries. So simply banning the product doesn’t necessarily curb the mortality or reduce shark finning. And blanket bans could conflict with the drive for forcomplexplayfocussingfisheries.sustainableAlsoonfinbansperpetuatestheideathattheonlyissuefacingsharksisthesharkfintrade.Andthismightbeasimplificationtoofar.Meatandothersharkproductsallaroleintheglobaltradesharks.

LE FIN –

W ell, in truth, things have moved on. With partners across the world, we’ve been at the centre of fisheries reform for over 20 years. And during that time there’s been significant progress on finning. So, what’s the current state of affairs and is the end in sight?

END

DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION

JOHNGOODBYE

Emma Bagnall has joined our team, as Fisheries Officer in the wake of John’s departure, and bringing with her a passion for baking! Emma has much to get her teeth into, and we hope some of you will meet her at events this summer.

SUM OF THE PARTS

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PARTS AINSBURYDAVID© Silky Shark

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The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts . Starting an item on shark conservation with a quote from Aristotle is slightly unusual. But the intention is simple. There’s not one perfect [realistic] catch-all conservation action for sharks and rays – but an ever increasing tool-kit ranging from domestic conservation measures to international regulation. Legislation can be supported by everything from simple educational resources to hi-tech research methodologies. The legislative actions of different fisheries bodies or treaties can also be complementary, amplifying each other’s value. But depending on your preference, you (as a conservationist), might favour one approach over another while, hopefully, striving to strike a balance for the most effective outcome. For us at the Shark Trust, focusing on the source of the impact has always been key. If you wish to address shark mortality, and overfishing is recognised as the primary threat, then working to address the issue of unsustainable shark fishing through effective fisheries management is fundamental. And this approach has been reflected in our activities, whether working domestically or on the international waters of the high seas. However, we also recognise the importance of other approaches. So, over the years we’ve been actively involved in advocating for the regulation of trade, through CITES, and actions for migratory species throughThere’sCMS.nodenying that these Wildlife Treaties capture public, and even political, attention with an ease not afforded to fisheries management. Fisheries management is a year in year out activity, and rarely comes with the spectacle of say the triennial meetings of CITES. But there’s no doubt that our role is to work with one to encourage the best out of the other – in fact to blur the distinctions between the two to create ‘the whole’ – effective fisheries management addressing unsustainable mortality, and trade restrictions driving the need for effective fisheries management.So,whileitmight make our lives more complicated, we’ll always be dedicated to the big picture, and always looking to have every piece of the jigsaw in play.

On a more personal note, the beginning of 2019 was a time of change for our team. John Richardson, a friend Zealand.ofhomelandtoreturnedforcolleagueand10yearshisNewJohn was the force behind much of the onkeepbecausehimWe’reUKengagementTrust’swithandEUFisheries.sadtoseego,notleastheusedtousallinlineproducing Shark Focus , and made great coffee!

WELCOME EMMA THE WHOLE IS OF ITS

ALI HOOD SHARK talk

GREATER THAN THE SUM

BASKING

BASKING SHARK SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cetorhinus maximus MAXIMUM SIZE: 12m DIET: eggsdecapodcopepods,includingZooplankton,smallbarnacles,larvae,fish&shrimp. DISTRIBUTION: Worldwide. Near the surface in cold to temperate waters. In tropical waters they’re found deeper, where it’s cooler. HABITAT: Often seen in coastal waters from May-October. They migrate across oceans at depths of 200-1000m. But can dive to depths over 1200m. HOODCHARLES©

A Shark on the Streets of London SHARK TRUST DIRECTOR TAKES ON A FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE

WHEN I TALK to people about fundraising, their initial thought is that it’s only about raising money. To some extent this is true and vitally important, but fundraising has a wider reach. And can be incredibly influential in promoting and supporting the cause of a charity. In our case, safeguarding the future of sharks. It’s a powerful way to promote our key messages and conservation goals. Fundraisers are passionate and enthusiastic. They have a “way in” to connect with audiences that we can’t reach. They start conversations with family, friends and colleagues who wouldn’t normally consider the plight of sharks. Fundraisers share their enthusiasm and introduce new audiences to our charity. When fundraisers participate in their chosen event, they’re 99% of the time wearing a branded Shark Trust t-shirt (the other 1% - shark costumes!). This gets our name out there to other fundraisers, This year we’ve seen a flying start to fundraising. People have run marathons, trekked across the UK and completed fun runs in shark costumes! supporters and potential donors at the event. They shout about us on social media, contact their local press and present to their peers at school. Their individual reach can be extensive. So, if you think fundraising isn’t for you, think about the wider reach and influence you could have. We need our members to talk about us, shout about us and even fundraise for us. Spread the word. Engage in a conversation, about shark conservation, with someone who you normally wouldn’t.Together we can make a positive change for sharks, skates and rays. Feeling inspired? Visit our website to check out events to participate in. Or get in touch with me, Heather, at fundraising@ sharktrust.org . I’d love to hear from you, chat about your fundraising ideas and how I can support you. We’ve already had some fantastic fundraisers this year. We’d like to thank everyone for their continual support. It means a great deal to us. IMPORTANCE OF FUNDRAISING

FUNDRAISERS summer2019

The 00 mile mark...

Paul practicing Baby Shark...

Alex took on the hull 5K

andenjoyedchallenge.inflatableHeraisingfunds,trainingtalkingaboutsharks

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FUNDRAISINGHASAWIDERREACH

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It’s the biggest event in the UK running calendar. 42,000 runners, huge crowds, global TV coverage and, for one year only, a shark! Paul got a lucky ballot place in this year’s event and was persuaded by our Corporate Patron, Animal Friends Pet Insurance, to don a shark suit for the run. Thanks to Animal Friends and the generosity of friends, family and our Facebook followers. Paul finished in 4:23 and raised Smashed£12,000. it! You can find out more about Paul’s fundraising journey by visiting our blog at www. sharktrust.org/blogs

THE

Emma, James and Vicki ran the Plymouth challenge.andtimewasmarathon.halfThisalltheirfirstrunningahalftheylovedthe

sharktrust.org/fundraise

For many years, we’ve worked on the premise that by “raising awareness” of the sorry state of things we can motivate action to improve the situation. But after years of telling this story we’re still struggling to get our message heard. Perhaps we’re becoming immune, besieged as we are with stories of environmental gloom. Threat and fear can motivate action but can equally stimulate a range of “defensive” responses such as playing down the issue, making it irrelevant or simply avoiding it in the future.Science and cold, hard facts are still vital, but the narrative can adapt. Despair and misery are contagious and can leave potential supporters feeling powerless. Interestingly, there have been many studies on compassion fatigue – put simply a loss of compassion, or a feeling that any effort is pointless. In a world where images of suffering and distress are broadcast 24/7, we’re slowly desensitised.becomingWe need to adopt different tactics if we want to motivate action for the seas. Hope and optimism need to be woven into what we’re saying if we want to inspire and encourage people to join our cause. We should be highlighting the milestones already achieved. The impact of science and conservation, as well as the importance of public participation, united in one goal. A collective conservation endeavour. This message is powerful and will likely have more of an impact than the rehearsed statistic of “100 million sharks die every year”. We need to be encouraging a change of mind-set, whilst increasing the understanding that we are creating positive change. None of the above means that we blindly disregard the problems like an ostrich. It doesn’t mean that we encourage people just to carry on as everything is going to be fine. Optimism must be balanced with reality. The important thing is to recognise the importance of hope and the limitations of bad news if we want things to Findingchange.thebalance between reality and hope is key and whilst a situation may seem pretty dire, inspiring people to discover, participate, collaborate and take action is a step in the right direction. It’s safe to say that in today’s world hope is one of the most underutilised and most important tools – we need it now. Arguably more than ever.

19.sharktrust.org

PAUL COX SHARK talk MANAGING DIRECTOR IT’S IMPORTANT TO BALANCE OPTIMISIM WITH REALITY - 1 PART NEGATIVE TO 3 PARTS POSITIVE HAS BEEN SUGGESTED AS A GOOD RATIO. “ ” SHARK CONSERVATION IS LIKE A JIGSAWHOW WE TALK ABOUT SHARKS MATTERS HOW WE TALK ABOUT SHARKS Sharks and rays are a diverse groupfascinatingandofover1000species They valuablenature’spricelessarepiecesofjigsaw–vitalandtoourculture Positive change is andcollaborationhappeningthroughcollectiveaction 24% of sharks and rays urgentrequireactiontoavoidextinction Whale Shark JONESSTEVE©

IN THIS issue we’ve tried to look at the business of shark conservation from different angles and appreciate the “jigsaw” of different actions that contribute to the big picture. But, for me, there’s one important piece that we’ve not covered. And it’s the bit that we all can be part of it. How we talk about sharks, and in particular, how we talk about conservation can have a big impact on our success. In recent years, psychology has given us some interesting warnings about the ways that we, as scientists and conservationists, reach out to the rest of the world. One of these “warnings” surrounds the use of negative messaging in conservation. “Doom and Gloom” has a huge impact on people and their interest in conservation, but it’s not necessarily the impact we hope for.

Also known as the RAGGEDTOOTH and Grey NURSE Shark.

SHARK CREATURE FEATURE

SANDTIGER

D20.

espite their appearance, this shark is docile in nature and does well in aquariums. They belong to the family Odontaspididae, which comes from the Greek words odous (teeth) and aspis (shield). But recent molecular analysis suggests they’re far more closely related (at least genetically) to Basking Sharks than members of their own family. These large and heavy sharks are slow, but strong, swimmers. They can be seen alone or in groups of 20-80 individuals. Aggregations have been seen working together to herd fish and males display complex courtship behaviour. Multiple paternity can occur in Sandtiger Sharks. So, after mating, males will guard the females to improve the chances of their offspring surviving. Sandtigers have a very low reproductive rate, giving birth to two pups every other year. Only the largest pups (from the first fertilised eggs) survive. thehatchingAfterinsidemother’suterus they’ll proceed to eat all the other eggs, and even their smaller brothers and sisters too! Until just one pup survives in each uterus. This is known as adelphophagy or intrauterine cannibalism. Sandtigers can hover motionlessly in mid water by gulping water at the surface, trapping air in their stomachs. This also causes them to let bubbles out of their mouth… or the other end! Males mature at 6-7 years and females at 9-10 years. In the wild they live around 15-17 years. But in captivity they can live up to 30 years.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Carcharias taurus FAMILY: Odontaspididae MAXIMUM SIZE: ~3.2 m DIET: Fish (including smaller sharks & rays), squids, crabs and lobsters. DISTRIBUTION: Indo-westMediterraneanAtlantic,andWarm-temperatetropicalandPacific. HABITAT: Coastal waters from the surf zone down to depths of 25m. Often found near rocky caves and coral reefs near the seabed. “ ” MALES DISPLAY COMPLEXBEHAVIOURCOURTSHIP BEECKVANDRAY©

One thing the recent findings showed is that 58.5% of the mapped sequence is repeat content. Patterns in the genome which essentially say the same thing over and over. They could initially be considered useless. But while debate rages as to the reason for repeat sequences, the current theory suggests that this ensures stability. Think about it, if you read the same instruction over and over and over, you’re very unlikely to get it wrong. This applies to the expression of genes too. If they’re repeated, the body’s systems are less likely to make a mistake in the transcription of that DNA, ensuring a healthy animal. No doubt that opening the gene sequence like this also opens a can of worms. For one, scientists have been shocked to see that Great White DNA doesn’t contain the predicted vast amount of olfactory genes (associated with smell). Instead it seems to show more vomeronasal genes (associated with scent and taste), suggesting a different underlying reason to that exceptional chemo-sensing ability. So the DNA might be giving us new clues to how this awesome predator hunts and senses the world. Not to be sniffed at! WHITETHE

blowfsh

timeamountphenomenaltheCONSIDERINGofsharks have been on the planet, it’s amazing how little we know about them. Probably the most iconic and famous shark of all, the Great White, also fits into this mysterious fog. But its secrets are about to be exposed and could have incredible wider applications for scientists globally. Recently their genome sequence has been fully recorded, allowing us a look into the very building blocks of one of Earth’s most iconic predators. This isn’t like opening a set of instructions for a Lego set though, things aren’t laid out page by page for easy assembly. Once the genome is mapped, we then have to start figuring out exactly how each piece affects the final product.

A few months back we heard that the White Shark is fnally giving up some of its secrets. So, we asked Tom what he made of the science behind the story.

DECODING THE GREAT

TOM ‘THE BLOWFISH’ HIRD’S SCIENTIFIC BREAKDOWN SEQUEIRASEAN© “ ” THIS ISN’T LIKE A SET OF INSTRUCTIONS FOR A LEGO SET White Shark Sandtiger Shark

sharktrust.org 21.

SHARKEVOLUTION

SHARKEVOLUTIONSKIN f I study the development of LIVE SHARKS in a laboratory; And they’re helping answer some big questions about the evolution of all animal life. RORY COOPER Animal and Plant Sciences, The University of Sheffield

Sharks belong to an ancient vertebrate group called the cartilaginous fishes. The bony fishes, which later gave rise to humans, split from the sharks’ group roughly 450 million years ago. The sharks retain some really interesting characteristics, including a skeleton made of cartilage rather than bone, and the ability to detect electric currents produced by other living organisms. By comparing shark embryo development with that of species evolved from bony fishes (including mice and chicks), we can better understand how differences in the processes underlying embryonic development can produce these fascinating characteristics. In developmental biology, one of the most widely studied shark species is the Smallspotted Catshark ( Scyliorhinus canicula ). These animals are found in high abundances around the coasts of Europe. Female catsharks lay eggs which are anchored to seaweed on the ocean floor. These eggs can be collected and raised in our laboratory aquariums. Once the embryos reach a certain age, they can be removed from their eggcases (known as mermaid’s purses) and reared in clear containers. We can then monitor and even manipulate their growth, enabling us to learn more about the genes and mechanisms controlling their development.Myworkinvolves the development of shark scales in Dr Gareth Fraser’s research group. These scales – or dermal denticles – are remarkably similar to our own teeth, as they consist of a pulp cavity surrounded by dentine and enamel-like materials. Shark scales facilitate loads of interesting functions which vary between different species. They can reduce drag whilst swimming, act as defensive armour and even help juveniles to tear their prey whilst feeding. The specific patterning or positioning of individual scales is essential for enabling these functions - this is one aspect of shark development that I’ve been investigating.

” “OUR STUDY SHOWS HOW SHARK RESEARCH TEACHES US ABOUT THE EVOLUTION OF ANIMAL LIFE ... AND OF OUR OWN

24.W hen people think of sharks, they often imagine large, fearsome predators with huge mouths and razor-sharp teeth. So, when I tell people I study the development of live sharks in a laboratory, they’re usually pretty surprised. But some sharks are becoming increasingly popular study species in wide-ranging areas of labbased biological research. And they’re helping us to answer some big questions about the evolution of all animal life.

In 1952, Alan Turing (forefather of the computer and WW2 code breaker) wrote a set of mathematical equations describing how diffusing signals can interact to produce patterns in nature, such as stripes, spots and spirals. Since then, scientists have sought experimental evidence for this system in living animals. We now

A MASTER OF ALL TRADES

TURING PATTERNS

Furthermore, small alterations to Turing’s equations can explain the variation in scale patterns we see between different shark species, providing an explanation for how their diverse functions may have evolved.Assharks arose hundreds of millions of years ago, prior to the emergence of most other vertebrates, Turing’s system is likely

A WINDOW INTO EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY

Alan Turing was one of the most influential figures in the development of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence. He also played a vital part in the development of the code-breaking machine that provided the allies with vast quantities of military intelligence gathered from the German Enigma Machine during the Second World War. His work and life was immortalised in the film The Imitation Game. Scanning electron micrograph of denticles from the hatchling catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), taken by Rory Cooper know that Turing patterning can explain the development of mouse hair and bird feathers. Our research demonstrated that this system can also explain how shark scales are patterned (Cooper et al. 2019).

01 .

FACTSSKINSHARK

Our study demonstrates how using sharks in biological research can teach us important lessons about the evolution of animal life, including our own. However, unsustainable fishing practices mean that many shark species are facing the risk of extinction. Sharks are crucial for maintaining the balance of increasingly threatened marine ecosystems. If we’re to continue learning evolutionary lessons from this diverse, ancient and important group of animals, extensive conservation efforts are absolutely essential.

sharktrust.org

02 . usedsandpaper,Beforepeoplesharkskin. 03 . The US military is studying shark skin to develop more efficient and faster aircrafts. After the war, Turing turned his mathematical genius to the study of “artificial life” and developed a mathematical theory to explain skin pattern formation in animals. In his 1952 paper “The Chemical Basis of Morphogenesis”, he suggested that patterns were determined by the interaction between two chemicals – morphogens – that spread as animals develop. But it wasn’t until many decades later that biologists found experimental evidence to support his theory. While Turing’s patterns have been suggested to explain everything from mouse claw size to the stripes on a tiger, distributions of species to the constellations of galaxies, there’s still debate about how accurate the model is. Yet recent research based on Turing’s ideas, like that of Rory Cooper, is shedding new light on how animals develop.

Hatchling Head CT scan - rendered by Rory Cooper

pectoralthemostthatofare“flexibleefficiently.moreThesescales”seenonpartstheshark’sbodyexperiencetheflow–likeedgesoftheirfins.

important in explaining the patterning of widespread vertebrate appendagesincluding human hair. Alterations to hair coverage in human ancestors allowed effective body temperature control, permitting individuals to occupy new habitats with different climates. Similar to sharks, small alterations to Turing’s patterning system may explain how this variation in hair coverage first appeared.

25.

TURING’S PATTERNS

The dermal scales of mako sharks “bristle” to push water down the shark

The often all too painfully slow managerial, advisory and legal frameworks processes involved in being able to implement positive change to conserve threatened shark, skate and ray species and promote truly sustainable fisheries.

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PURSUEATTENBOROUGH...DAVIDINSPIREDMETOTHISCAREER

for life history characteristics, genetic and contaminant analysis.

26. sharktrust.org/careers

With this type of career there’s never a ‘typical day’. I can go from the mundane crunching of data, emails and reports in the office to setting up interactive workshops with government policy advisers, fisheries and conservation bodies. We might be discussing latest concerns or scientific advice for skate and ray bycatch or potential mitigation measures. I could be far out in the Celtic, North or Atlantic Seas, aboard fishing vessels for weeks at a time, recording the catch and deploying tags on various sharks, skates and rays. Or I could be dissecting dead incidental bycaught sharks in the lab taking tissue samples MY DAD... MY VERY OWN

WHAT DOES A ‘TYPICAL’ WORKING DAY LOOK LIKE?

HIGHS - WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? To be able to engage directly with scientists, industry, government and conservation bodies to actually begin to make a difference to how sharks, skates and rays are fished, conserved and managed. Also being fortunate enough to often interact directly with shark, skate and ray species in the wild and during tag and release deployments.

DOGFISHSPINYATAGGINGVICTORIA

WHAT’S THE STRANGEST THING TO HAPPEN AT SEA? Having a Whale Shark rub up against the side of a small tuna fishing vessel I was working on in the South Atlantic. The Whale Shark was twice the size of the vessel and incredibly docile but had to

LOWS – WHAT’S THE WORST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

NAME: Victoria Bendall JOB: BehaviourFish Ecologist LOCATION: The Centre ScienceAquacultureFisheriesEnvironment,forand(Cefas).

While these species are listed under a recommendation by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) that prohibits retention and sale, this is poorly implemented and, in many cases, needs adoption into national legislation.Thismeeting represents an important first step to developing the roadmap to restore these enigmatic species to robust populations in the Mediterranean You can find out more and keep an eye on progress at www. sharktrust.org/angelsharks be gently encouraged away to prevent it from destroying the fishing vessel’s all important rudder that would get us safely back to shore. The shark was not to be deterred though and remained with us throughout the day whilst we tagged Yellowfin Tuna, rubbing up against and nudging the boat as often as possible.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN WHEN STARTING OUT IN YOUR CAREER? That being a truly successful marine scientist isn’t all about the next publication or academic acclaim. It’s not about what you know, what you’ve studied or who you’re affiliated with. It’s simply about how much passion and drive you genuinely have for the cause to make a real, meaningful and long-term difference.

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN? My ever-supportive parents always reassured me that regardless of academic background you can make a difference. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT ON THIS CAREER PATH?

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE THIS CAREER?

The three angel shark species found in the Mediterranean Sea were once abundant in coastal waters but have declined to the point where all are now considered Critically Endangered. Documented sightings are few and far between. In Shark Focus 61, we reported that we were leading the development of a Regional Action Plan specific to the Mediterranean. And, in late March, we gathered together experts in Tunisia to begin development of this crucial Action Plan.Angel sharks are mainly at risk from fishing and habitat degradation and these were the focus of the key goals developed.

HOW DID YOU LAND YOUR CURRENT POSITION? I was incredibly fortunate whilst studying a marine biology degree at Plymouth University to work alongside Dr David Sims, tracking the selective foraging behaviour of seasonally abundant Basking Sharks. Being quite novel, multidisciplinary, field behaviour research for its time, the work afforded me co-authorship of a peer-review publication in Nature (Sims & Quayle 1998). And I’ve never looked back.

My dad, a palaeontologist at heart with a tremendous passion for the natural world. Essentially he’s my very own David Attenborough, with whom I spent many a day as a little girl on muddy beaches looking for fossilised shark teeth. My most prized find being a large Megalodon tooth found on a beach in Dorset.

UPDATE:PROJECT

AVERTING CRISIS FOR CRITICALLY SHARKSMEDITERRANEANENDANGEREDANGEL

Truly believe and be passionate. Look beyond the all too often narrow focus of improving scientific understanding and see the greater picture. Try to see the steps that can be taken to implement change towards the conservation of species, their ecosystems and how sustainable resources for fisheries can work alongside. If you can take this broad view then you’ll be a truly successful marine scientist, no matter how many papers you may or may not write, who you know, or who you’re affiliated with. Victoria looking for shark teeth with her dad Angelshark Angel Sharks

Interested in a career working with sharks? Here’s the first in a new series of career profiles. We’ll be meeting people who work with sharks every day to bring you insights into different career paths, as well as some top tips and career advice...