View source for Library:Fishing for oil and meat drives irreversible defaunation of deepwater sharks and rays (research)

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'''Fishing for oil and meat drives irreversible defaunation of deepwater sharks and rays''' is a research article published in the journal Science on March 7, 2024. The article discusses the impact of fishing for oil and meat on the population of deepwater sharks and rays, highlighting the need for immediate trade and fishing regulations to prevent irreversible damage to this megafauna group.

== Summary ==
The deep ocean serves as a critical haven for biodiversity, largely untouched by human activities. However, deepwater sharks and rays face significant threats due to overexploitation, with a third of threatened species being actively targeted. Additionally, half of the species sought after for international liver-oil trade are at risk of extinction. These creatures are particularly vulnerable due to slow reproductive rates, limited ability to recover, and inadequate management efforts. Conservation efforts should focus on implementing fishing restrictions based on depth and spatial limits, alongside measures to regulate catches, mitigate bycatch, and oversee international trade. Urgent action is needed to enact trade and fishing regulations to prevent irreversible harm and facilitate the recovery of these endangered species.

== Key points ==

* '''Overfishing Impact''': Deepwater sharks and rays are highly sensitive to overexploitation due to their slow development and reproduction. Overfishing, especially for liver oil and meat, is causing significant population declines.
* '''Conservation Urgency''': Immediate trade and fishing regulations are necessary to prevent irreversible defaunation and promote recovery of these threatened species.
* '''Extinction Risk''': The study highlights that one-third of threatened deepwater sharks are targeted, and half of the species targeted for the international liver-oil trade are threatened with extinction.
* '''Regulatory Measures''': Depth and spatial limits to fishing activity could improve conservation outcomes when implemented alongside catch regulations, bycatch mitigation, and international trade regulation.

The research emphasises the critical need for increased regulations to protect deepwater sharks and rays from further decline.

== External link ==

* https://doi.org/10.1126/science.ade9121

[[Category:Shark (research)]]
[[Category:Rays (research)]]