Category: Global Analysis

New Global Study Finds Unprecedented Shark and Ray Extinction Risk

6/9/2021

Experts classify one-third of chondrichthyan fish species as threatened, urge conservation action

Guitarfishes and wedgefishes are among the most threatened rays, due to the high value of their large fins. This Whitespotted Wedgefish (Rhynchobatus djiddensis) reaches over 3 metres long and is classified as Critically Endangered by IUCN. Protea Banks, South Africa. Photo by Matthew D. Potenski | mdp.myportfolio.com

A new analysis published today in the journal Current Biology finds that one-third of the world’s chondrichthyan fishes – sharks, rays, and chimaeras – are now threatened with extinction according to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria.

In this new global analysis, experts assessed 1,199 shark, ray, and chimaera species against International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria and found 391 (32%) qualify as Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable. Species classified in these three IUCN categories are considered threatened with extinction. That statistic increases to more than one-third (37.5%) if Data Deficient species are assumed to be threatened in the same proportion as assessed species.

Global Sharks and Rays Initiative

1/12/2014

The Global Strategy for the Conservation of Sharks and Rays (2015–2025) is the product of an intensive 18-month strategic planning process incorporating extensive data analysis and synthesis, including a set of background documents, several technical workshops, and ongoing consultation and review

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New Global Study Finds Unprecedented Shark and Ray Extinction Risk

Global Sharks and Rays Initiative

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