Is a Global Quantitative Assessment of Shark Populations Warranted?. Issue 10 (12th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Braccini, Matias
• Is Part Of: Fisheries. Volume 40:Issue 10(2015)
• Page Start: 492
• Page End: 501
• Publication Date: 2015-10-12
• Subjects: Fishery management -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 338.3720973
• DOI: 10.1080/03632415.2015.1080689
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-2415

Abstract

Abstract : A recent global quantitative assessment suggested that "the majority of shark populations will continue to decline under current fishing pressure" (Worm et al. 2013 :198) and concluded that global shark mortality needs to be drastically reduced to rebuild populations and restore marine ecosystems with functional top predators. The high exploitation rates inferred by the authors are alarming and, if accurate, justify the increased concern of the global conservation community. To assess the generality and accuracy of this work, I critically evaluate the assumptions and validity of the extrapolations made by the authors. This global study provided a valuable overall perspective on the highly relevant topic of shark conservation; however, the generalizations made carry substantial uncertainty that was not accounted for. My review aims to place the conclusions drawn by the authors into perspective, highlighting numerous factors that, having been considered, would have significantly affected their claims.