Overfishing, not management, driving global decline in shark and ray landings.
Global shark and ray landings have decreased by almost 20% since 2003. The decline is not mainly due to better management, but rather because of overfishing and ecosystem factors. Countries with high coastal populations or shark meat exports like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand have seen the biggest drops in landings. Current fisheries management measures are not strong enough to stop overfishing and protect shark populations. More effective management and reporting are needed to ensure sustainable fisheries and food security.