Sharks on the move expose the need for international conservation efforts

New University of Queensland research underscores the critical need for international conservation efforts to protect sharks and rays, which are increasingly on the move due to their migratory patterns. By analyzing 30 years of satellite tracking, acoustic and mark-recapture studies, researchers mapped the migratory connections between Australian waters and neighboring countries.

This groundbreaking study identified 29 shark and ray species that cross international borders, traveling as far as South Africa, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Micronesia. Species like whale sharks, blue sharks, shortfin mako sharks, school sharks, and white sharks are particularly vulnerable, as their long journeys expose them to threats across multiple jurisdictions.

The study, published in Conservation Biology, revealed significant gaps in scientific knowledge, with 62% of the 29 CMS-listed shark and ray species lacking published movement data. This makes it impossible to manage these migratory species effectively without comprehensive data. Associate Professor Daniel Dunn emphasized that two-thirds of the species studied had no information, highlighting the urgent need for better tracking and data collection.

The researchers also noted the difficulties in tagging and detecting these animals, which do not breathe air and rarely come to the surface, making them harder to study compared to other marine life. The findings underscore the importance of international cooperation to support the recovery of shark and ray populations, as some nations may have weaker conservation measures in place.

For example, while Australia has relatively strong protections for whale sharks, these same species migrate to Indonesia, where they could face greater risks from fishing. The study calls for collaboration and information sharing between countries to ensure effective cross-jurisdictional conservation.