Improving the Conservation Status of Sharks and Rays in the Southwest Indian Ocean

The Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO), centered around southern Mozambique and northeast South Africa, is a global hotspot for shark and ray species richness, endemism, and evolutionary distinctiveness. Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, and Madagascar have extensive coastal artisanal fisheries with thousands of fishers. Fishery and ecological data indicate low abundances of sharks and rays, and near-total loss of sharks in some areas. The goal of this project is to improve the conservation status of sharks and rays in the SWIO by advancing scientific knowledge to fill data gaps, improve sustainability and control in the trade of shark and ray products through improved CITES implementation, and the development of science-based policy and management.