A Status Snapshot of Key Shark Species in the Western and Central Pacific and Potential Management Options | Bycatch Management Information System (BMIS)

Source URL

https://meetings.wcpfc.int/meetings/sc07

Citation

Clarke S (2011) A Status Snapshot of Key Shark Species in the Western and Central Pacific and Potential Management Options. In: WCPFC Scientific Committee 7th Regular Session. WCPFC-SC7-2011/EB-WP-04, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Abstract

This document synthesizes all of the shark assessment work completed to date under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission’s Shark Research Plan and discusses existing and potential conservation and management measures for sharks. The current state of eight of the WCPFC’s key shark species (blue; shortfin and longfin mako; oceanic whitetip; silky; and bigeye, common and pelagic thresher sharks) in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean is summarized. Various measures implemented to reduce shark mortality due to fishing are examined including the existing WCPFC shark measure and alternative measures applied by WCPFC members in national waters. Measures currently applied by other regional fisheries management organizations are evaluated using WCPO observer data. Conclusions regarding the status of the stocks and the effectiveness of current management measures are presented.