On-Site Training on Chondrichthyan Taxonomy, Biology and Data Collection : Workshop Report SEAFDEC/MFRDMD

Abstract

Over the past several decades, the increase in landings to meet the demand for fins and various downstream products of sharks and rays has led to a significant decline in numerous shark and ray populations globally. It is imperative that a series of significant measures and actions be implemented to assure the preservation and sustainable use of these resources, as well as to address the decline in their availability. Information on biodiversity of sharks and rays varies across the Southeast Asian region. Data collections and studies concerning sharks and rays are generally constrained in numerous countries within the region. Only a limited number of countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, have the historical data and more extensive research pertaining to this particular group of fishes. In this region, the majority of countries continue to document landings of sharks and rays collectively, rather than distinguishing them at the species level. Certain countries have yet to incorporate the landings of sharks and rays into their national statistics. Additional information, including biological data, stock structure, and the spatial and temporal distribution of sharks and rays, remains insufficient in certain countries.