Randall Arauz (PRETOMA), Hector Guzman (STRI), Eduardo Espinoza (Galapagos National Park) and Alex Hearn (UC Davis) all attended the two-day workshop in Guayaquil.
(L-R) Alex Harn, Randall Arauz and Héctor Guzman during the workshop.
The aim of the conference was to discuss the progress of national Shark Plans of Action for the nations comprising the South Pacific Permanent Commission (CPPS) and to provide input on the draft Regional Shark Plan of Action.
Dr. Hearn presented an overview of the work carried out to date by Migramar scientists, including the evidence for connectivity between oceanic islands (click here to see his presentation). Dr. Julio Lamilla (Chile) presented the draft Regional Plan, which stresses the need to carry out genetic and tagging research on key shark species, including the scalloped hammerhead. Migramar researchers are already undertaking this research in several countries, but funds are urgently needed to expand the program.
The attendees agreed on the terms of reference and scope of activity for the Technical-Scientific Committee which should oversee the implementation of the regional plan. One important aspect was to recommend that the make-up of this committee should include stakeholders as well as government. This implies members of the fishing, science and NGO sectors, all of whom can provide valuable technical input for conservation management of elasmobranchs.
Each country gave an update on the state of implementation of their National Plans of Action. Most countries have developed identification keys and have improved their monitoring techniques, but Peru proved to be the only one implementing size restrictions on catch. Ecuador has favored gear restrictions such as the use of wire leaders. There was some discussion about whether the fishery in Ecuador was accidental or is really targeted. Ecuador will also be testing the use of magnets on longlines and whether these dissuade sharks from the hooks.
Click here to download Dr. Hearn's presentation.
The workshop took place at the headquarters of a leading national newspaper, El Expreso, and was followed closely by journalists.
“It is very important that the research being carried out by Migramar scientists gets transmitted to stakeholders and decision-makers,” said Hearn.
“Our work is geared precisely towards providing technical information to these types of forum. The spirit of these Plans of Action was always aimed at a wide participation from stakeholders and scientists – it is good to see that for the Regional Plan, this is also the case in practice.”
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