Overview on Mediterranean Shark’s Fisheries: Impact on the Biodiversity

Bibliographic analysis shows that the Mediterranean Sea is a hot spot for cartilaginous species biodiversity, including sharks, rays, and chimaeras; 49 sharks and 36 rays were recorded in this region. However, they are by far the most endangered group of marine fish in the Mediterranean Sea. The IUCN Red List shows clearly the vulnerability of elasmobranchs and the lack of data; 39 species (53% of 73 assessed species) are critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable. The biological characteristics of elasmobranchs (low fecundity, late maturity, and slow growth) make them more vulnerable to fishing pressure than most teleost fish. Overfishing, the wide use of nonselective fishing practices, and habitat degradation are leading to dramatic declines of these species in the Mediterranean Sea. In general, elasmobranchs are not targeted but are caught incidentally. In many fisheries, they are, however, often landed and marketed. A decline in cartilaginous fish species landings has been observed while fishing effort has generally increased. Better understanding of the composition of incidental and targeted catches of sharks by commercial fisheries are fundamentally important for the conservation of these populations. Moreover, problems encountered by elasmobranchs in the area are highlighted, and conservation measures are suggested

Sharks’ Status in the Mediterranean Sea Urgent Awareness is Needed

Cartilaginous fishes are a very ancient group; Sharks have lived on Earth for about 500 million years, since long before the dinosaurs. They have been able to survive and overcome five mass extinctions since their appearance. They play in fact a key role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. More than 97% of the shark population has disappeared in the last two centuries. Currently, a high percentage is threatened, many are data-deficient. Many menaces face sharks, but fishing pressure seems to be most critical. This chapter focuses on the current status of cartilaginous fishes and progress on conservation measures and actions taken mainly through regional plans

Elasmobranchs in Tunisia: Status, Ecology, and Biology

The authors have compiled published information on taxonomy, distribution, status, statistics, fisheries, bycatch, biologic, and ecologic parameters mainly on food and feeding habits and reproductive biology of elasmobranchs along the Tunisian coasts. This bibliographic analysis shows that cartilaginous species, including sharks and rays are by far the most endangered group of marine fish, with 63 species, about 53% of all are critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable. Overfishing, fishing practices, and habitat degradation are leading to dramatic declines of these species. Biologic parameters concern a few species primarily in the Gulf of Gabes. Therefore, recommendations to fill gaps in order to protect and manage elasmobranchs stocks are proposed in this chapter