An online database has been developed which documents international, regional and national shark measures. The Shark Measures Database collates management measures to assist the sustainable use and conservation of shark resources; making all shark related regulations and guidance to fishery and conservation managers accessible in one website.

The database was developed by FAO, in cooperation with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and with the support of the European Union, the Government of Japan and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States of America

This database is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for those wishing to find shark, skate, ray and chimaera management and guidance measures, instituted by Regional Fishery Bodies, the Convention on Migratory Species, CITES and national authorities. The instruments listed in the Shark Measures Database include both binding and non-binding conservation and management measures, ‘plans of action’ and national legislation.

Sustainable fisheries and healthy ecosystems are embedded within the Blue Growth Initiative advanced by FAO. The Shark Measures Database adds another tool to the coherent framework that FAO provides to support productive and sustainable management of fisheries.

FAO’s international role in conserving and managing sharks and their long-term sustainable use is well recognized since the development of the International Plan of Action for Conservation and Management of Sharks (IPOA-SHARKS) in 1998. 

States are encouraged to follow FAO guidelines and to adopt and implement a national plan of action for conservation and management of shark stocks (Shark-plan) if their vessels conduct directed fisheries for sharks or if their vessels regularly catch sharks in non-directed fisheries. Several of the top shark fishing nations are involved in regional or sub-regional cooperation for sustainable fisheries through Regional Fisheries Bodies or other international organizations and a number of Regional Fisheries Management Organizations have adopted measures relevant for the conservation and management of sharks.

Go to Shark Measures Database 

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