Scientists Receive Nearly £1 Million to Study Three Endangered Shark Species

Scientists have received nearly £1 million from Natural England's Species Recovery Programme to study the movement and breeding grounds of three endangered shark species. The project will focus on the blue shark, porbeagle and tope. Electronic tags will track migration routes, living areas and how the animals respond to capture and release by anglers.

The team will work with anglers in Looe, Falmouth and Brightlingsea to examine catch records. Ultrasound scanning will identify pregnant sharks and locate potential pupping and nursery grounds. Workshops and structured interviews will be conducted with at least 45 anglers.

The Bbc reported that findings will update England Red List assessments and guidance for anglers to improve survival rates of released sharks. The project involves the Angling Trust, the Marine Biological Association and the Pat Smith Database. University of Exeter marine scientist Dr Matthew Witt said coastal and open ocean sharks are among the most threatened groups of animals, yet they hold huge ecological, cultural and economic value.

He added that combining generations of angler knowledge with state-of-the-art animal tracking technology will build the evidence needed to secure a future for these species. Marine Biological Association senior research fellow Dr Bryce Stewart said important and vulnerable shark species live in English waters, yet significant knowledge gaps remain regarding their distribution and abundance.

He said the data collected will help identify the actions needed to secure their future.