Central And South American Pacific Sharks Face A Conservation Crisis

In a recent article from Forbes the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project's publication entitled 'Shortfalls in the protection of Important Shark and Ray Areas undermine shark conservation efforts in the Central and South American Pacific'. 

WRITTEN BY | Melissa Cristina Márquez
SOURCE | Forbes

The Central and South American Pacific region, as a recent publication points out, is a prime example of both the opportunities and challenges of shark conservation. This vast and ecologically rich area includes parts of Mexico, Central and South America, and numerous oceanic islands, making it one of the most biologically dynamic regions in the world. To date, it is home to 188 shark species, including 95 shark, 82 ray, and 11 chimaera species. Yet, despite its biodiversity, protection is mismatched — while some countries (like Costa Rica and Colombia) have established large MPAs, others (including El Salvador, Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras) still protect less than 10% of their waters. And here’s the kicker: nearly 42% of the MPAs in this region don’t even have a management plan! Without enforcement or clear rules, a “protected” area can be little more than a line on a map that no one is paying attention to. 

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