This skate was not the target of any fishery, but was taken as bycatch throughout the region. Shark populations are reduced through the directed fishing efforts described above and indirectly in other fisheries such as tuna and billfish. Recreational fisheries for sharks have also grown in recent years. In many Florida ports, recreational fishermen have witnessed a dramatic drop in both shark abundance and size. The success of sharks is further complicated by increased coastal development which reduces the availability of necessary nursery grounds that are crucial for survival of juveniles.
Many shark species are highly migratory and cross political boundaries on a regular basis.
This complicates scientific research and effective management policies. Awareness of the unique problems associated with shark and ray fisheries is increasing, and many governments, research agencies, and environmental organizations are beginning to cooperate to obtain biological information and enhance communication that is necessary to implement effective, sustainable management for elasmobranchs. To learn more about shark and ray biology and conservation, please write to Shark News, to receive a newsletter of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group. These publications are extremely current, informative, and are available to any interested party for a donation. Moss Landing Marine Laboratories is dedicated to excellence in marine and estuarine science and education.