Guiding Principles
The IUCN Shark Specialist Group (SSG) has long been a trusted source of science-based information and advice on sharks, rays, and chimaeras. This solid reputation has been built on widespread interest in the IUCN Red List as a means of identifying and prioritizing species at risk, monitoring threats, and evaluating conservation action. Our work continues to centre on finding expert consensus as to the global status of species, and is guided by the following principles:
- Sharks, rays and chimaeras have ecological, economic, and cultural value;
- Policies regarding these species should be founded on sound science;
- Fishing and other forms of exploitation should be managed for sustainability;
- Minimizing waste is important, particularly given declining food security;
- Communicating the outcomes of SSG initiatives to policy-makers, non-governmental organizations, and the public can lead to improvements in the population status of sharks, rays and chimaeras.
Core Activities
- Delineation of critical habitats of sharks, rays, and chimaeras globally (see www.sharkrayareas.org)
- Continual assessment and reassessment of IUCN Red List status of all species of sharks, rays, and chimaeras;
- Development of prioritized, science-based advice for conservation strategies and policies;
- Regular communication of findings to a broad range of audiences;
- Evaluation of the impact of policy developments; and,
- Identification and prioritization of key knowledge gaps and research needs.
Key Achievements
- Red List assessments for the vast majority of the world's shark, ray, skate and chimaera species (~1,250 species) through the voluntary global effort of the SSG membership and collaborating scientists;
- Seven regional and four thematic reports incorporating these assessments for various regions or species groups;
- Key roles in advising and informing government officials in the development and implementation of the Food and Agriculture Organization International Plan of Action for Sharks, and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Memorandum of Understanding for Migratory Sharks (Shark MOU);
- Vital analyses of proposals for adding sharks and rays to the Appendices of CMS and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES);
- Development of specific policy advice for various governments, regional fisheries bodies and businesses, particularly with respect to shark finning and sustainable exploitation.
Working Groups
As conservationists, we face many challenges when working towards the conservation of sharks, rays, and chimaeras. However, there are also many opportunities for us to forge ahead and tackle some these.
Working Groups are designed to bring together members possessing the relevant expertise, knowledge, and skills who will act collectively to undertake tasks and activities to achieve the SSG targets for the next quadrennium. Working Group Chairs (WGCs) have been designated to coordinate groups of members, help identify global and regional priorities within their ‘themes’ and provide guidance and act and the SSG’s expert network for their respective topics.
Below is an introduction to each of these Working Groups along with a message from the Chairs. Members should note that the objectives and tasks listed below as initial ‘ideas’ and can be changed based on input from members. Members of the SSG are welcome to directly contact the Working Group Chairs to indicate their interest and willingness to contribute to the Working Groups.
The SSG recognizes that these Working Groups are not exhaustive and is open to the establishment of new ones provided there is sufficient interest and expertise amongst the current membership available to lead on them. Members who are interested in establishing such Working Groups are encouraged to liaise directly with the Chair.
Working Groups are designed to bring together members possessing the relevant expertise, knowledge, and skills who will act collectively to undertake tasks and activities to achieve the SSG targets for the next quadrennium. Working Group Chairs (WGCs) have been designated to coordinate groups of members, help identify global and regional priorities within their ‘themes’ and provide guidance and act and the SSG’s expert network for their respective topics.
Below is an introduction to each of these Working Groups along with a message from the Chairs. Members should note that the objectives and tasks listed below as initial ‘ideas’ and can be changed based on input from members. Members of the SSG are welcome to directly contact the Working Group Chairs to indicate their interest and willingness to contribute to the Working Groups.
The SSG recognizes that these Working Groups are not exhaustive and is open to the establishment of new ones provided there is sufficient interest and expertise amongst the current membership available to lead on them. Members who are interested in establishing such Working Groups are encouraged to liaise directly with the Chair.