Endangered Sharks and Rays in the News

Endangered Species Month Launched as Scientists Warn of Hundreds of Species of Rays and Skates at Risk From Overfishing and Habitat Loss

NOAA Proposes More Shark Fishing in Atlantic as SHARKED Act Swims in Senate

Scientists reported at the International Shark Conference in Sri Lanka that rays and skates face a greater extinction risk than sharks. More ray meat is being consumed and shark- ray fins are growing in demand for the shark fin soup market. With an alarming 196 million killed a year, bycatch and consumption patterns are tipping the scale toward extinction for hundreds of "flat shark" species.

Responding to the Administration, National Marine Fisheries is considering increasing shark fishing in the Atlantic. Specifically, the rules seek to dismantle management boundaries for the endangered blacknose shark and also raises recreational bag limits for species like hammerheads. It would allow “up to three, or no limit” on certain trips, and alter minimum size requirements for several species. Public comment period ends May 29.

Bemoaning sharks stealing their catch, the recreational fishing lobby has fast-tracked a Bill (the SHARKED ACT) through the House. Now, S. 2314 is currently on the Senate Calendar. This law could greenlight killing protected sharks in the USA under the guise of protecting their catch. We are advocating for more research and increased stock assessments for shark populations. Also we recommend area and seasonal closures, complete protection for endangered species, and better management of fisheries - not more shark fishing.

The ESA is Here to Stay! Endangered Species Act Avoids Ammendments Act in the House. Coalition Launches Endangered Species Month - Support Endangered Sharks and Rays and the ESA. Check out our ESA is Here to Stay Campaign.