Tovar-Ávila, J.
Published: 2024-07-16
Total Pages: 70
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The work presented here summarizes published research from Mexico, also linked to an FAO summary, plus studies from India, Indonesia and Peru. In collaboration with various country programmes and local research groups, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) examined shark and ray value chains. The goal was to provide valuable information for fisheries and environmental agencies, shedding light on the role of non-fin commodities derived from sharks and rays in fisheries and trade. To effectively conserve shark and ray resources, we must adopt a more holistic understanding of their fisheries and markets. Historically, the focus has primarily centred on regulating the export of shark fins, often overlooking traditional and emerging fishing practices (and markets) related to other elasmobranch products (such as meat, skin, cartilage, liver oil, and gill plates). Due to limited examination of non-fin commodities, we lack clarity on their sources, the extent of exploitation, and their significance as drivers of elasmobranch utilization. The report aims to shift attention towards non-fin commodities in shark and ray management. By doing so, we hope to expand the range of potential interventions that can be employed to achieve sustainable elasmobranch fisheries – a critical source of food security, nutrition, and livelihoods for coastal communities worldwide.