On July 14 the World Sharks Dayeven if in Mediterranean There is very little to celebrate. In fact, over 50% of the species of sharks, breeds and chimeras present in our seas are now threatened. According to the IUcnthere are 42 species classified at risk: 29 sharks, 12 races and a chimera. In an increasingly fragile ecosystem, the disappearance of these animals could have serious and often underestimated consequences.
Feared by many, also due to an often sensationalistic representation, sharks are actually more than executioners. The attacks on man are rare and statistically irrelevant, while human activity is seriously threatening the survival of these ancient inhabitants of the seas. There fishing – both targeted and accidental -, the Degradation of habitats and thepollution They are contributing to a worrying decline, already documented in many areas of the Mediterranean.
To reverse this tendency, knowledge, monitoring and cooperation are needed. Just to meet these needs is born TSHARKSa European project coordinated byUniversity of Padua together with WWF And to other international partners, which aims to trace and study sharks and races in the Mediterranean.
What are the “spaghetti tag”
Central element of TSHARKS is the use of “spaghetti tag“: Small plastic labels, similar to long threads, applied in a non -invasive way to the base of the dorsal fin of the sharks or on the body of the breeds. These tags do not cause damage to animals and allow you to identify them over time. By tracing marked individuals it is possible to collect fundamental data on movements, areas of reproduction, growth and behavior.
To date, over 2,500 specimens have already been tagged thanks to the joint work of scientific institutions in Italy, Greece, France, Croatia and Germany. Each tag contains an identification code and a contact for reporting, also via WhatsApp. The data are not public and are shared only between researchers, guaranteeing the protection of species.
A participatory science project
One of Tesharks’ most innovative aspects is the Direct involvement of fishermen, sea operators and local communities. Anyone who accidentally captures a branded animal can report it through the online platform, providing information and photos. Even few data, if well documented, can contribute to better understand the distribution and behavior of the species.
As the promoters explain, “a simple and fast report can provide new valuable information”. For example, observing where catches and reclaims of the same specimen take place, migratory routes can be reconstructed and identifying sensitive areas. This information is fundamental for the planning of effective conservation measures.
Le Isra: Priority areas to be protected
In 2023, thanks also to the data collected with projects such as TSHARKS, they were identified 65 Important Shark and Ray Areas (Isra) in the Mediterranean, 16 of which in the Italian seas. These areas represent crucial habitats for the reproduction, development and feeding of sharks and races. Their protection is a priority if we want to avoid the extinction of many species.
The sharks, in particular, play a fundamental ecological role as superpreders: they regulate the populations of the other species and keep the trophic network in balance. The breeds, on the other hand, contribute to the complexity of the seabed, while the moble – Great pelagic breeds – transport nutrients with ocean depths towards the surface. The loss of these species would not only affect biodiversity, but also the resilience of the entire marine ecosystem.
Because knowledge is the first form of protection
Despite their importance, of many elasmobranchi of the Mediterranean we still know too little. The biological characteristics of the sharks – such as slow growth, late sexual maturity and low fertility – make them particularly vulnerable. Without precise data, it is impossible to implement sustainable management policies.
Sharks for Conservation Trackingthe motto of the Tesharks project, summarizes this challenge well: only by knowing the favorite movements and habitats of the species can we protect them effectively. And only with the contribution of everyone – scientists, fishermen, institutions and citizens – can we hope to save these ancient “dinosaurs of the sea”.
