Number of Sandbar Sharks Increasing, but Threats Continuing

Increased from 80 to 93

Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University (Mugla-Turkey) Fisheries Faculty carried out the monitoring study between May and September, 2012. The team made 105 free dives and recorded the number of the sandbar sharks seen in Boncuk Bay of Gökova SEPA. Boncuk Bay is home to sandbar sharks. In the first phase of the monitoring study, 80 sandbar sharks have been observed while the number has increase to 93 in the final phase.

 Ignorance is the real threat

Ignorance is the major challenge to the effort of protecting the endangered species to which the project has a special focus on. The findings of the monitoring study on sandbar sharks, one of the endangered species, have proved that claim as well.

The monitoring study has been carrying out in a protected area. 100-meter fishing net has been found in the area, though. It is a clear evidence of the challenges faced throughout the project. The net has been delivered to Coast Command to initiate an investigation as well as the suggestions to start a ranger system specific to the area for strong and effective enforcement.

Waste water discharge, a big issue

One of the major challenges is the waste water discharge from the ships navigating around the area. It is a serious issue in terms of the sandbar sharks, which are critical elements of the ecosystem. The outcomes of the studies are sort of an indicator that ship owners are not aware of the issue enough.