Conservation and Management

There are a range of international and regional initiatives available to encourage or deliver improved management and conservation of shark populations, both within State waters and on the high seas. Here the term ‘shark’ refers to all chondrichthyan fishes, including the sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras.

Some individual States provide national protection for one or more threatened species under wildlife or fisheries legislation. See the Regional Pages for information on regional initiatives and national measures.

Why are international and regional initiatives important?
Many shark species and populations straddle boundaries between adjacent EEZs and others are migratory and move among EEZs of different countries and between the high seas and waters under coastal State jurisdiction. As a result no part of any straddling or migratory stock can benefit fully from any regulations introduced within the waters of a single country. Conservation and management of these species will only be effective if introduced by region, or entire ocean basin, therefore coordinated international and regional initiatives are essential for their effective conservation and management.