Threats to sharks in a developing country: The need for effective simple conservation measures

Abstract

Reductions of shark populations produce negative ecological and economic consequences. Overfishing is the primary threat to these reductions; however, two other indirect problems can be mentioned as threats to sharks populations: shark meat mislabeling, and shark attacks. In this study, we use Brazil as an example to focus on these three critical problems related to shark conservation: the lack of proper, specific identification of landed species in the industrial and artisanal fisheries; shark attacks; and mislabeling in markets. We discuss these situations, highlighting brief examples and conservation barriers. The main goal is to present these problems and provide simple, effective solutions. On the fisheries side, the solution lies in having trained personnel at specific landing ports. Implementation of this practice would also aid in the solution to the mislabeling of shark meat. However, whenever this does not occur, supermarkets or any other final seller should be held legally responsible for the identification. At this stage, genetic techniques such as DNA barcoding must be used. Regarding the shark attack problem, the only truly efficient solution with no indirect effects is education and taking the matter to society, rather than waiting until there is a shark attack incident. The government needs to invest more funds on educational awareness programs and research to avoid encounters with sharks. We must ensure that the society does not see sharks as villains, but instead as key elements in maintaining the ecosystem services that are so valuable to human well-being. © 2014 Associação Brasilei a de Ciência Ecológica e Conservação. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda.