ORCID

Abstract

We present national implementation progress on international and regional legal obligations up to 2020 and discuss recent developments in shark conservation management in the region. This study provides insights into the complexity of implemented measures and actions related to shark conservation and fisheries management, governed by various legal instruments. Measures were primarily identified through regional fisheries management organisations (RFMO) reports, reports of Focal Point meetings under the Barcelona Convention, and national reports under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). A total of 208 implemented measures across different categories were found. The most common types of measures focused on monitoring, the regulation of human activities, and assessments of impacts on sharks. EU countries generally implemented more measures compared to non-EU countries, even after accounting for contributions by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Spain was leading in terms of number of actions related to shark governance. However, when considering standardization based on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria had the highest values, putting results into perspective, as countries widely share legal commitments, but do not have the same development status, capacities, and resources. Higher implementation efforts were associated with higher Human Development Index and higher government indicators. Governments were found to lead 63% of measures, particularly related to legal obligations, while NGOs and researchers also made significant contributions, as identified through survey questionnaires. The responses also highlighted that overfishing, illegal fishing, an increasing marketing of shark meat, and mislabelling remain major issues at national level.

Publication Date

2024-10-01

ISSN

0006-3207

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10.2139/ssrn.4973653" data-hide-no-mentions="true">

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