Nearly £1 million is being poured into a crucial scientific initiative to safeguard three endangered shark species in English waters - blue sharks, porbeagles, and tope. As these vulnerable predators struggle to survive, researchers are racing against time to understand their habitats, migration routes, and breeding patterns.
The ambitious project will harness advanced electronic tagging technology to pinpoint the movements of these sharks, while also tapping into the valuable expertise of experienced anglers in key hotspots like Looe, Falmouth, and Brightlingsea. By analysing historic catch records and conducting workshops with at least 45 seasoned anglers, scientists will build a comprehensive picture of shark distribution over time.
But that's not all - the team will also use ultrasound scanning to identify pregnant sharks, allowing them to pinpoint potential pupping and nursery grounds essential for these species' survival. "Combining angler knowledge with cutting-edge tracking tech is vital," said Dr. Matthew Witt from the University of Exeter, who highlighted the ecological, cultural, and economic significance of coastal and open ocean sharks.
Dr. Bryce Stewart, a senior research fellow at the Marine Biological Association (MBA), added that despite their importance, significant knowledge gaps persist regarding these shark species' distribution and abundance in English waters. The project's findings will be instrumental in updating England's Red List assessments for these sharks, while also informing updated guidance for anglers to improve survival rates of released sharks.
The initiative brings together the University of Exeter, the Marine Biological Association (MBA), the Angling Trust, and the Pat Smith Database, pooling diverse expertise towards a shared conservation goal. By working together, scientists hope to secure a future for these remarkable - but threatened - species.