The Role of Sharks and Rays in Marine Ecosystems
Sharks and rays play important roles in marine ecosystems, both as predators and as prey. They control the abundance of organisms in the food chain below them, thereby maintaining an ecological balance. Changes in their presence and diversity can provide a barometer for the health of the oceans.
In Mozambique, approximately 147 shark and ray species have been documented to-date, with southern Mozambique considered a global “hotspot” for shark and ray species richness. Slow growth rates, late maturity, and low reproductive potential however make sharks and rays highly susceptible to overfishing. Concern is rising over growing catches.
In most fisheries of Mozambique, sharks and rays are taken either as bycatch or are targeted. They are heavily overfished, with 65 species currently considered threatened with extinction and another 18 species classified as Data Deficient by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
Advancing Shark and Ray Conservation in Mozambique
Sharks and rays play important roles in marine ecosystems, both as predators and as prey. They control the abundance of organisms in the food chain below them, thereby maintaining an ecological balance. Changes in their presence and diversity can provide a barometer for the health of the oceans.
In Mozambique, approximately 147 shark and ray species have been documented to-date, with southern Mozambique considered a global “hotspot” for shark and ray species richness. Slow growth rates, late maturity, and low reproductive potential however make sharks and rays highly susceptible to overfishing. Concern is rising over growing catches.
In most fisheries of Mozambique, sharks and rays are taken either as bycatch or are targeted. They are heavily overfished, with 65 species currently considered threatened with extinction and another 18 species classified as Data Deficient by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
Advancing Shark and Ray Conservation in Mozambique