Abstract
The deep ocean is the last natural biodiversity refuge from the reach of human activities. Deepwater sharks and rays are among the most sensitive marine vertebrates to overexploitation. One-third of threatened deepwater sharks are targeted, and half the species targeted for the international liver-oil trade are threatened with extinction. Steep population declines cannot be easily reversed owing to long generation lengths, low recovery potentials, and the near absence of management. Depth and spatial limits to fishing activity could improve conservation when implemented alongside catch regulations, bycatch mitigation, and international trade regulation. Deepwater sharks and rays require immediate trade and fishing regulations to prevent irreversible defaunation and promote recovery of this threatened megafauna group.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1135-1141 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Science (New York, N.Y.) |
Volume | 383 |
Issue number | 6687 |
Early online date | 7 Mar 2024 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 8 Mar 2024 |
Keywords
- Deepwater sharks
- Deepwater rays
- Liver-oil trade
- Population decline
- Over fishing
- Trade regulations
- Fishing regulations