Despite more than 200 conservation measures across Mediterranean countries, sharks and rays continue facing serious threats from increased fishing pressure and growing market demand for their meat, according to new research that reveals gaps in protection efforts.
The study, published in Biological Conservation, found that while European Union nations generally implement more protective measures than their non-EU neighbors, enforcement remains patchy across the region’s 22 coastal states. Spain leads with the highest number of protective actions, but researchers discovered that only a handful of countries have established marine protected areas specifically for sharks.
“Sharks have been part of the marine ecosystem for millions of years with an evolutionary history that predates the dinosaurs,” said Dr. Lydia Koehler, Associate Lecturer at the University of Plymouth and a member of the IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law. “However, many shark species in the Mediterranean have seen drastic declines in past few decades with over half of the species being threatened by extinction, largely due to overfishing and related pressures such as bycatch.”
The researchers identified several critical issues hampering conservation efforts. Seven Mediterranean countries reported problems with mislabeling at markets, where shark meat is sometimes sold as more valuable fish. Albania, Egypt, Libya, Spain, and Syria also noted concerning increases in shark meat sales over recent decades.
“Finding effective ways to conserve them is of critical importance,” Koehler added, highlighting the urgent need for better protection of the region’s more than 80 shark and ray species.
While governments lead 63% of current protection measures, Jason Lowther, Associate Professor of Law at Plymouth, emphasized that success requires broader support: “Achieving positive outcomes for these species requires not only government support but also sustained political will across election periods and a steadfast long-term commitment to driving change.”
The study revealed that non-governmental organizations play a crucial role in conservation, particularly in countries with limited government resources. In some nations like Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania, NGOs are responsible for most shark protection efforts.
Among the study’s recommendations are expanding marine protected areas, improving monitoring of shark catches, and increasing cooperation with fishing communities. The researchers also called for better funding access, especially for collaborative projects across countries.
The findings come at a critical time for Mediterranean sharks. Despite growing international attention and legal protections, the researchers found that illegal fishing continues and enforcement remains weak in many areas. Without stronger implementation of existing measures and new protections, the region’s sharks face an uncertain future.