The Second Core Expert Meeting on Research for Enhancement of Sustainable Utilization and Management of Sharks and Rays in the Southeast Asian Region : SEAFDEC/MFRDMD, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia 13th November 2024

Abstract

It highlighted the concerns over increasing fishing pressure on sharks and rays to meet global demand, which might deplete these resources in the future. According to her, the Southeast Asian region is home to 196 species of sharks, 160 species of rays, 30 species of skates and seven chimaeras. Most sharks caught in this region were untargeted, which is recognized as by-catch. Management of these resources via international trade regulation often results in listing several common species in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora affecting the livelihood of traditional fishers and traders. Thus, the governments are responsible for collecting landing and biological data on these species and preparing management plans when needed. The meeting aims to share information and achievements of the project from 2020-2024 and find the way forward for future planning in managing these species. In addition, it briefly explained the components and activities of this project, which covered regional capacity building in taxonomy, confirmation of stock structure, and socioeconomic study.