This is a list of all endangered fish known to man.
Note: To find a specific fish hit ctrl + f and type in whatever you are looking for.
1. Order Hexanchiformes.
Species:1.1 Bluntnose sixgill (Hexanchus griseus)
Assessor(s):S.F.Cook & L.J.V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened).
Red list rationale:A valuable food and sports fish, the species seems unable to sustain target fisheries and is taken as bycatch (e.g. in Centrophorus liver oil fisheries now underway over large areas of the Indo-Pacific). Fisheries activity in parts of its range, including the Northeast Pacific, have led to the depletion of regional populations, some of which may be Vulnerable (A1bd, 2bd). However, because population and fisheries data are lacking from many regions, a worldwide population depletion of over 20% is not proven for this wide-spread species.
Species:1.2 Broadnose sevengill (Notorynchus cepedianus)
Assessor(s):L.J.V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Data Deficient. Lower Risk (near threatened) in the Eastern
Pacific
Red list rationale:Although wide-ranging and moderately common (where not
heavily exploited), this shark is restricted to a limited inshore depth range
in heavily fished temperate waters and is exposed to intensive inshore fisheries
over most of its range. The central California stock in the San Francisco
Bay area is thought to have been depleted in the early 1980s, but lack of
fisheries data elsewhere make it impossible to determine whether this pattern
of depletion occurs throughout its range.
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2. Order Squaliformes, dogfish sharks.
Species:2.1 Gulper shark (Centrophorus granulosus)
Assessor(s):S. F. Cook
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (A1 a b d, A2 d)
Red list rationale:This wide-spread species is being heavily fished in deepwater
fisheries in the Northeast Atlantic, Northwest Pacific and other regions.
Its life history makes it highly vulnerable to overexploitation and population
depletion. The 'Vulnerable' assessment for the gulper shark may well be applicable
to most other poorly-known deep-sea species that are now being exploited by
unmanaged expanding fisheries. Studies are required to determine their life
history characteristics and other parameters necessary for management.
Species:2.2 Piked or spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias)
Assessor(s):S. Fordham
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened)
Red list rationale:This important and wide-ranging commercial species is particularly
vulnerable to overfishing because of its late maturity, low reproductive capacity
and longevity. Fished populations in the North Atlantic have a well-documented
history of over-exploitation followed by near-collapse, suggesting that 'Vulnerable'
might be an appropriate assessment for some regions. However, the species
is still landed commercially in significant numbers from target fisheries
(some of which are managed) in many parts of the world and is of high value
in international trade.
Species:2.3 Kitefin shark (Dalatias licha)
Assessor(s):L.J.V. Compagno & S. F. Cook
Red list assessment:Data Deficient
Red list rationale:Lower Risk (near threatened) in the Northeast Atlantic.
Records of yields from the Portuguese/Azores kitefin shark fishery suggest
that targeted fisheries are capable of reducing populations quite rapidly.
The life history of this species is expected to result in a slow recovery
after depletion. An increasing trend for fisheries to move into deeper water
on continental shelves and slopes suggests that fishing pressure on this species
will likely increase over the next decade or more. However, because the kitefin
shark is widely distributed and data on fisheries and populations are lacking
from most of its range, it is not possible to reach a global assessment.
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3. Order Pristiophoriformes sawsharks.
Species:3.1 Common sawshark (Pristiophorus cirratus)
Assessor(s):C. Simpfendorfer
Red list assessment:Lower risk (near threatened)
Red list rationale:This common benthic shark is endemic to southern Australia.
There are no useful biological data available for this species, and no assessment
of the impact of commercial fishing. Although they are caught only as bycatch,
the fisheries are large and have the potential to impact on the populations.
Further research is needed to fully determine the status of this species,
but at present there appears to be no significant extinction risk.
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4. Squatiniformes, Angel sharks.
Species:4.1 Pacific Angel shark (Squatina californica)
Assessor(s):G. Cailliet
Red list assessment:Lower Risk near threatened.
Red list rationale:This once abundant eastern Pacific coastal shark is relatively
slow-growing, late maturing, and moderately fecund. Because of its rather
limited geographical range and life history, resident stocks may be particularly
vulnerable to heavy localised fishing pressure. Commercial catch data in recent
decades documented a peak, followed by an almost complete collapse in the
central California gillnet fishery for California halibut, now closed. This
area encompasses a sizable portion of the species' range and its main center
of distribution. A continued targeted commercial fishery for this species
would pose a threat to the population in U.S. waters. It is uncertain what
the Mexican fishery effort or catch might be for this, and perhaps a different
species of Squatina, and the long-term prognosis of the population.
Species:4.2 Argentine angel shark (Squatina argentina)
Assessor(s):G. E. Chiaramonte
Red list assessment:Data Deficient
Red list rationale:The Argentine angel shark is one of the three species of
angel sharks on the Western South Atlantic continental shelf from Southern
Brazil to Northern Argentina. It is a poorly known but moderately common bottom-dwelling
shark in depths of over 120 m. Although rarely targeted because of its depth
range, its life history is only partly understood and population status uncertain.
Further study and reassessment in the near future will be required, in view
of the fact that most species of Squatina are likely to prove to be vulnerable
to depletion by fisheries.
Species:4.3 Angular angel shark (Squatina guggenheim)
Assessor(s):G. E. Chiaramonte
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (A1bd, A2d) Endangered (A1bd, A2d) in Brazil
Red list rationale:This is a common bottom-dwelling shark at depths of between
10 to 80 m in western South Atlantic coastal waters from Southern Brazil to
Northern Argentina. Although not usually targeted, it is commonly captured
and landed by unmanaged multi-species gillnet and bottom trawl fisheries,
and 50% of landings are immature. Intensive exploitation in recent years has
led to an 88% decrease in trawling CPUE for the angel sharks S. guggenheim
and S. occulta in Southern Brazil (Vooren 1996), although landings remain
high because of the increased fishing effort targeting more fecund species
in the multi-species fishery.
Species:4.4 Smoothback angel shark (Squatina occulta)
Assessor(s):G. E. Chiaramonte
Red list assessment:Endangered (A1a,b,d & A2 d)
Red list rationale:This bottom-dwelling shark occurs from 24° S (Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil) to 33° S (Uruguay), in Western South Atlantic shelf waters.
It matures at a larger size and reproduces more slowly than S. guggenheim,
the other angel shark commonly captured and landed from multi-species gillnet
and bottom trawl fisheries in the region. S. occulta makes up about 30% of
angel shark catches and 70% of individuals landed are immature. Intensive
exploitation in Brazilian waters in recent years has led to an 88% decrease
in trawling CPUE for both S. guggenheim and S. occulta in Southern Brazil
(Vooren 1996). Fishing effort in the multi-species fisheries that take this
angel shark as utilised bycatch will not be affected by a continued population
decline.
Species:4.5 Angel shark (Squatina squatina)
Assessor(s):M. Pawson & J. Ellis
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (A1 abcd, A2 d)
Red list rationale:This species is restricted to the Northeast Atlantic and
Mediterranean, where it is becoming increasingly uncommon and has been extirpated
from parts of its former range. It is vulnerable as bycatch in bottom trawls
and set nets throughout its range.
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5. Order Heterodontiformes, bullhead or horn sharks.
Species:5.1 Horn Shark (Heterodontus francisci)
Assessor(s):G. M. Cailliet
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (LR) Least Concern
Red list rationale:The life history and growth rates of this common oviparous
eastern Pacific coastal shark are poorly known, but it appears to be a productive
species. Horn sharks are not targeted either by commercial or recreational
fisheries, although there is some incidental catch, and they reproduce well
in captivity for public aquarium display. There are no known threats to the
population.
Species:5.2 Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni)
Assessor(s):C. Simpfendorfer
Red list assessment:Lower Risk, Least Concern (LR(lc))
Red list rationale:This abundant shark is endemic to Australian waters. There
is currently no evidence to suggest that Port Jackson shark populations are
at risk from human impacts. Although caught in commercial fisheries in substantial
quantities, most are returned to the water alive. Sports fishers and the aquarium
trade also take small numbers. Habitat modification and other environmental
factors do not appear to be a threat to the health of populations.
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6. Order Orectolobiformes, carpet sharks.
Species:6.1 Bluegray carpetshark (Heteroscyllium colcloughi)
Assessor(s):L.J.V.Compagno, P. Last & J. Stevens
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (C2b).
Red list rationale:Fewer than twenty specimens of this small, attractive but
poorly known little shark are recorded, mostly from inshore waters of Moreton
Bay. This shark seems to be unabundant as far as is known despite coverage
of available habitat. As presently known it has an extremely limited geographic
and bathymetric range off Queensland and occurs in waters that are heavily
utilized by people and which are subjected to intensive fisheries.
Species:6.2 Whale shark (Rhincodon typus)
Assessor(s):B. Norman
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (A1 bd, A2d)
Red list rationale:The life history of this relatively scarce but cosmopolitan
tropical and warm temperate species is poorly understood, but it may be relatively
fecund and migrates extremely large distances. Catches have declined and populations
apparently been depleted by harpoon fisheries in several countries targeting
localised concentrations of this huge, slow-moving and behaviourally-vulnerable
species, and there is incidental capture in other fisheries. Directed fisheries,
high value in international trade, a K-selected life history, highly migratory
nature, and low abundance make this species vulnerable to exploitation. In
recent years dive tourism involving this species has developed in a number
of locations around the world.
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7. Order Lamniformes, mackerel sharks.
Species:7.1 Sand Tiger or Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus)
Assessor(s):D. Pollard & A. Smith
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (A1a,b, A2d)
Red list rationale:This large coastal species of shark has one of the lowest
reproductive rates known among elasmobranchs, giving birth to one or two large
young every two years. As a result, annual rates of population increase and
ability to sustain fishing pressure are very low. Although the species is
widespread, regional populations are isolated and no longer thought to mix.
Catch rates of well-studied populations in Australia and South Africa have
shown declines as a result of commercial fishing, spearfishing and beach meshing,
requiring the introduction of management. Despite protection in Australia,
population recovery is being very slow.
Species:7.2 Bigeye sand tiger (Odontaspis noronhai)
Assessor(s):A.F. Amorim, C.A. Arfelli & L. Fagundes
Red list assessment:Data Deficient
Red list rationale:This rare pelagic deepwater shark is sparsely but widely
distributed in tropical and warm-temperate waters, apparently an inhabitant
of continental and insular slopes. It is so infrequently recorded that its
biology and population status is unknown. Its life cycle and biology is likely
to be similar to that of C. taurus, which has been found to be particularly
vulnerable to fisheries, although O. noronhai matures at an even larger size.
Species:7.3 Crocodile shark (Pseudocarcharias kamoharai)
Assessor(s):L.J.V.Compagno & J.Musick
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened)
Red list rationale:This small, uncommon, pelagic, oceanic shark is circumtropical
in distribution. Because of its small litter size and probable life history
demography, it is likely vulnerable as bycatch in expanding pelagic high-seas
long-line fisheries. No catch per unit effort records are available to indicate
trends in population size, but a population decline from bycatch is considered
probable and is predicted to continue or increase as existing massive pelagic
long-lining fishing effort increases worldwide.
Species:7.4 Megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios)
Assessor(s):L.J.V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Data Deficient
Red list rationale:A large, mainly deepwater filter-feeding species that is
known from only a few bycaught or stranded specimens and is apparently very
rare throughout its range. It could increasingly be taken as bycatch in deepwater
fisheries.
Species:7.5 Thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus)
Assessor(s):K.J. Goldman
Red list assessment:Data Deficient
Red list rationale:This abundant and globally distributed continental shelf
species occurs in a wide range of water temperatures. Size and fecundity varies
geographically. It is an important economic species in many areas and has
been taken in large numbers as a targeted and landed bycatch species. The
California drift gill net fishery provided strong evidence that A. vulpinus
is highly vulnerable to overfishing in a short period of time. A lack of fisheries
data from other locations, incomplete knowledge of stock structures, and uncertainty
over life history parameters make it impossible to determine population size
or fluctuations elsewhere.
Species:7.6 Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus)
Assessor(s):S.L. Fowler
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (A1a,d, A2d). Endangered (A1a,d) in the Northeast
Atlantic and North Pacific regions (where target fisheries have occurred).
Red list rationale:A very large filter-feeding cold-water pelagic species,
widely distributed but only regularly seen in a few favoured coastal locations
and probably never very abundant. Documented fisheries in several regions
have usually been characterised by rapidly declining local populations as
a result of short-term fisheries exploitation, followed by very slow or no
recorded population recovery. There is likely potential for similar population
declines to occur in the future from directed and bycatch fisheries, driven
at least in part by the demand for fins in international trade. Basking sharks
are now legally protected in some territorial waters. Compagno (1984) considers
the basking shark "to be extremely vulnerable to overfishing, perhaps
more so than most sharks ... ascribed to its slow growth rate, lengthy maturation
time, long gestation period, probably low fecundity and probable small size
of existing populations (belied by the immense size of individuals in their
small schools)."
Species:7.9 Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias)
Assessor(s):I.Fergusson, L. Compagno & M.Marks
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (A1cd; A2cd).
Red list rationale:The white shark is a widely but sparsely distributed top
predator with a very low reproductive potential (late maturity and small litter
size) and high vulnerability to target and bycatch fisheries (commercial and
recreational), some of which supply products (fins, jaws and teeth) for international
trade. Where detailed population data are available, these indicate that the
abundance and average size of white sharks have declined. The species is now
effectively protected in some parts of its range, where it may be Lower Risk
(conservation dependent). A global status of Endangered (A1cd; A2cd) may be
proven accurate for this shark as further data is collated.
Species:7.10 Shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus)
Assessor(s):J. Stevens
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened).
Red list rationale:A wide-ranging oceanic and pelagic shark with high value
meat, the shortfin mako is subject to significant bycatch and targeted fisheries
in some areas. Most catches are inadequately or un-recorded, and its relatively
low reproductive capacity makes it very susceptible to depletion by these
fisheries. However, the species is very wide-ranging and has a relatively
fast growth rate. There is no evidence to suggest that its global population
has been sufficiently depleted for it to warrant 'Vulnerable' status at the
present time.
Species:7.11 Salmon shark (Lamna ditropis)
Assessor(s):K. J. Goldman & B. Human
Red list assessment:Data deficient
Red list rationale:The salmon shark is widespread in the boreal North Pacific,
but its biology and life history is little known. It appears to have a very
low fecundity and is probably slow to mature. As such, it may be extremely
vulnerable to current bycatch pressure and to commercial fishing activity
in the Northwest Pacific. Commercial fishing is closed in Alaska and a management
decision is pending in US Federal waters. There is a lack of catch and landing
statistics and no population data for the species.
Species:7.12 Porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus)
Assessor(s):J. Stevens
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened). Vulnerable (A1bd) in NE
Atlantic. Lower Risk (conservation dependent) in NW Atlantic.
Red list rationale:A very wide-ranging species (albeit with apparently little
exchange between neighbouring populations), but with a low reproductive capacity
and high commercial value. Taken both in target and incidental fisheries.
Global populations are not proven to have been depleted to a level where they
qualify for a Vulnerable status. However, North Atlantic populations have
been seriously over-exploited in longline fisheries, although the introduction
of management for US and Canadian shark fisheries should reverse the serious
decline in this stock. The apparent lack of exchange between populations on
each side of the North Atlantic has resulted in separate assessments for the
western and eastern stocks.
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8. Order Carcharhiniformes, ground sharks.
Species:8.1 Puffadder shyshark (Haploblepharus edwardsii)
Assessor(s):L.J.V.Compagno & M.Krose
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened).
Red list rationale:Locally common, but with a very limited range lying wholly
within heavily fished and potentially degraded inshore waters. Changes in
nearshore fisheries, for example leading to increased bycatch, or habitat
degradation could affect the whole population of this South African endemic.
Species:8.2 Brown shyshark (Haploblepharus fuscus)
Assessor(s):L.J.V.Compagno & M.Krose
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened).
Red list rationale:Locally common, but with a very limited range lying wholly
within heavily fished and potentially degraded inshore waters. Changes in
nearshore fisheries, for example leading to increased bycatch, or habitat
degradation could affect the whole population of this South African endemic.
Species:8.3 Narrowmouth catshark (Schroederichthys bivius)
Assessor(s):G. E. Chiaramonte
Red list assessment:
Red list rationale:The narrowmouth catshark is restricted to the Western South
Atlantic and Eastern South Pacific continental shelf, from Brazil to Chile,
at depths of 10 - 359m. Good data are available on the biology of this poorly
known, albeit moderately common inshore and offshore shark, but inadequate
information on the possible impacts on its populations of habitat degradation
(particularly within its estuarine nursery grounds) and fisheries.
Species:8.4 Pyjama shark (Poroderma africanum)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened).
Red list rationale:This South African shark has a restricted zoogeogeographic
and bathymetric range in a heavily fished, well-populated area and has no
specific protection. Although generally not targeted at present, it is subject
to fisheries pressure from commercial and sports fisheries. Its status is
of concern because of increasing regional fisheries for small sharks for the
export market over the last few years. Introduction of legislation to decommercialise
the species would probably result in a revised assessment of Lower Risk (conservation
dependent).
Species:8.5 Yellowspotted catshark (Scyliorhinus capensis)
Assessor(s):L.J.V.Compagno & M.Krose
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened)
Red list rationale:A moderately common shark on the heavily fished offshore
banks of southern Namibia and South Africa, where it may form a single population.
It has a very limited geographic range in heavily fished waters, where it
is taken as fisheries bycatch and is potentially affected by habitat degradation
from trawling.
Species:8.6 Barbeled houndshark (Leptocharias smithii)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened).
Red list rationale:This small live-bearing shark is (or was?) relatively common
within its limited range in heavily fished tropical inshore West African coastal
waters. Taken as utilised bycatch, but fisheries statistics are lacking.
Species:8.7 Whiskery shark (Furgaleus macki)
Assessor(s):C. Simpfendorfer
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (Conservation Dependent).
Red list rationale:This common, moderately-sized triakid shark is endemic
to the continental shelf waters of southern and western Australia. Its biomass
level has been reduced significantly by commercial fishing in south-western
Australia. However, a management plan to ensure the survival of the species,
and the long-term economic viability of the fishery, has been implemented.
Given the high level of research and management in this fishery it is likely
that there is no extinction risk for this species in the foreseeable future.
Species:8.8 School or Tope shark (Galeorhinus galeus)
Assessor(s):J. Stevens
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (A1bd) globally. Lower Risk (conservation dependent)
in Australasia.
Red list rationale:School sharks are a widespread mainly coastal and bottom
associated shark of temperate areas which has been fished in all parts of
its distribution. They are particularly long-lived, and slow to mature. Because
of the species' low productivity and its history of stock collapse (e.g. in
the Eastern Pacific and Brazil), the global population is considered to have
been reduced significantly in the past 60-75 years (three generations). Stock
assessment of the Australian population suggests that current biomass is between
20 and 59% of the total virgin biomass, or between 19-43% of mature virgin
biomass. However, school sharks in Australia and New Zealand have been fished
commercially for over 50 years and management plans are currently in place
to rebuild the populations. There is no other management for this species.
Species:8.9 Whitefin topeshark (Hemitriakis leucoperiptera)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Endangered (B1 & 2ce; C2b).
Red list rationale:This little-known inshore tropical shark is found only
in heavily fished and environmentally degraded Philippine coastal waters.
Only two free-living specimens are known from an extremely restricted range.
There are no records over the last fifty or more years.
Species:8.10 Blacktip topeshark (Hypogaleus hyugaensis)
Assessor(s):C. Simpfendorfer & L.J.V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened).
Red list rationale:This small triakid shark has a patchy distribution in the
Indo-West Pacific. Given the minor nature of this species in fisheries, it
is unlikely that it faces an immediate threat of extinction. However, its
patchy distribution and relatively low abundance throughout its range increases
the potential for future fishing pressure to cause problems.
Species:8.11 Gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus)
Assessor(s):T. Walker
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (conservation dependent).
Red list rationale:Gummy sharks are endemic to Southern Australia, occurring
mainly on the continental shelf. This is a highly productive shark species
in terms of the maximum sustainable yield rate (defined as the maximum sustainable
yield divided by the biomass at equilibrium required to provide that yield),
which is about 12% for gummy shark. The Red List Assessment is based on the
following considerations: (a) the productivity of the species is relatively
high, (b) current biomass is estimated as being close to half the biomass
before fishing began, and (c) the fishery is managed with firm controls implemented.
Species:8.12 Rig (Mustelus lenticulatus)
Assessor(s):M. P. Francis
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (conservation dependent).
Red list rationale:This abundant, small, coastal shark is endemic to New Zealand,
where it is commercially fished. Catches have been constrained by Individual
Transferable Quotas (ITQs) following the identification of at least some of
the five stocks as severely overfished. Rig are fast growing, at least up
to maturity, and there is anecdotal evidence that heavily depleted stocks
have rebuilt rapidly since the introduction of ITQs in 1986. This is one of
the most resilient commercially fished species of shark, capable of recovering
from serious depletion.
Species:8.13 Starry smoothhound (Mustelus asterias)
Assessor(s):J. Ellis
Red list assessment:Lower risk (least concern).
Red list rationale:This coastal species is widespread, although not abundant,
from Northern Europe to Northwest Africa, including the Mediterranean. It
is not considered to be in any immediate threat of over-exploitation. It is
occasionally caught in trawls, which may be a reflection of it favouring rocky
areas, where it can be caught in gill nets. There is no evidence of a decline
in the population, and it is not subject to a targeted commercial fishery.
Species:8.14 Common smoothhound (M. mustelus)
Assessor(s):J. Ellis
Red list assessment:Lower risk (least concern).
Red list rationale:This coastal species is widespread, although not abundant,
from Northern Europe to South Africa, including the Mediterranean. Although
this species is not abundant and taken in mixed-species fisheries, it is widespread
and there is no evidence of a decline in the population.
Species:8.15 Dusky Smoothhound (Mustelus canis)
Assessor(s):C. Conraths
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened).
Red list rationale:This small shark occurs in the Western Atlantic, Gulf of
Mexico and Caribbean from Massachusetts to Northern Argentina. It is taken
in parts of its range for food. A recent rapid expansion in directed gillnet
fishing has caused a rapid decline in some stocks of large females in US waters.
All fisheries are unmanaged.
Species:8.16 Flapnose houndshark (Scylliogaleus quecketti)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (B2c, C2b)
Red list rationale:An uncommon endemic houndshark with low fecundity and an
extremely restricted range off eastern South Africa (northeastern part of
Eastern Cape Province to northern KwaZulu-Natal), within inshore waters subjected
to heavy fishing pressure and potential habitat degradation. The species occurs
close inshore at the surfline and in the intertidal. Presumably only one population
exists, estimated to be comprised of fewer than 10 000 mature adults.
Species:8.17 Sharpfin houndshark (Triakis acutipinna)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (C2b).
Red list rationale:This houndshark was described in 1968 from two specimens
collected off the Isla de la Plata, Ecuador. It has not been reported since.
It is extremely rare and has a very restricted distribution in waters exploited
by unregulated shark fisheries.
Species:8.18 Spotted gully shark (Triakis megalopterus)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (Near Threatened).
Red list rationale:Uncommon inshore species with limited distribution from
Southern Angola to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, from the intertidal and surfline
to 50 m depth. These waters are exploited by unregulated shark fisheries which
take this shark as bycatch. It would be assessed as Lower Risk (conservation
dependent) if the South African fishery was decommercialised.
Species:8.19 Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata)
Assessor(s):S. E. Smith
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (Conservation Dependent).
Red list rationale:This mid-sized coastal shark is fairly common in bays and
estuaries of the eastern North Pacific from California, USA, to the northern
Gulf of California, Mexico. It is taken both commercially and by recreational
anglers. Although a slow-growing, late-maturing shark with low productivity,
management introduced in recent decades has protected the core of the population
in California and Oregon waters from excessive harvesting. Little is known
of the stock status in Mexico.
Species:8.20 Graceful shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchoides)
Assessor(s):C. Simpfendorfer
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened).
Red list rationale:A little studied coastal Indo-West Pacific continental
shelf species impacted throughout its range by incidental capture in commercial
fisheries. Although not targeted by directed fisheries, it is widely landed.
Further life history research is required.
Species:8.21 Gray reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos)
Assessor(s):M. J. Smale
Red list assessment:Lower risk (near threatened).
Red list rationale:This widespread social species was formerly common in clear
tropical coastal waters and oceanic atolls. Its restricted habitat choice,
site fidelity, inshore distribution, small litter size, relatively late age
at maturity and increasing unmanaged fishing pressure suggests that this species
may be under threat. More fisheries data are required. Although caught in
tropical multi-species fisheries, it has considerably greater value if protected
for dive tourism.
Species:8.22 Pigeye or Java shark (Carcharhinus amboinensis)
Assessor(s):G. Cliff
Red list assessment:Data Deficient (DD). Lower Risk (near threatened) in Southwest
Indian Ocean
Red list rationale:C. amboinensis is sporadically distributed in the Indo-West
Pacific, which may, in part, be due to an inability to distinguish it from
other members of the genus Carcharhinus. Where fisheries data are available,
this species constitutes a very small component of the catch, suggesting that
it may not be common. Natal Sharks Board data demonstrate a significant declining
trend in catches from 1978-98, with evidence of localised stock depletion,
and a decrease in mean length in the southwest Indian Ocean. This shark's
apparently sporadic distribution and low abundance suggests that it may be
unable to sustain heavy, localised fishing pressure, and shark fisheries are
intensifying in the Indo-Pacific.
Species:8.23 Borneo shark (Carcharhinus borneensis)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Endangered (C2b).
Red list rationale:A small rare inshore coastal shark. Known only from five
undoubted specimens (four of which from Borneo), none more recent than 1937.
Not recorded in the 1996/97 IUCN-Shark Specialist Group and Sabah Fisheries
Department survey of marine sharks in markets in Sabah, Borneo (Malaysia),
nor surveys in 1999/2000 in the Philippines.
Species:8.24 Spinner shark (Carcharhinus brevipinna)
Assessor(s):G. H. Burgess
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened). Vulnerable (A1bd+2d) in
NW Atlantic
Red list rationale:The spinner shark is cosmopolitan in near and offshore
warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical continental and insular shelf waters.
It is frequently captured in recreational and commercial fisheries. Its meat
is valuable and fins are marketable. It frequents nearshore waters as adults
and has inshore nursery areas, making it highly vulnerable to fishing pressure
and human-induced habitat alteration.
Species:8.25 Pondicherry shark (Carcharhinus hemiodon)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (C2a).
Red list rationale:This is a rarely recorded and poorly known inshore Indo-Pacific
shark, represented by fewer than 20 specimens in museum collections from areas
impacted by major fisheries. Only one specimen reported during an extensive
survey of market landings in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1974. Not recorded during
a survey of fishing camps in southern India in 1982, nor during the 1996/97
IUCN-Shark Specialist Group and Sabah Fisheries Department survey of marine
sharks in markets in Sabah, Borneo (Malaysia), nor surveys in 1999/2000 in
the Philippines.
Species:8.26 Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis)
Assessor(s):R. Bonfil
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (least concern). Data deficient in the Northern
Indian Ocean, Tropical Pacific and Western North Atlantic
Red list rationale:A common, large, semi-pelagic coastal and oceanic shark
of continental shelf and slope waters, discontinuously distributed in all
tropical ocean basins. Caught in large numbers as bycatch in oceanic fisheries,
but often unreported or misidentified. Landed for meat and fins by multi-species
shark fisheries. Reproductive capacity limited (annual rate of population
increase estimated as 4%). Despite a lack of population sizes estimates, observations
of trends, or indices of abundance for any stock (studies of fisheries impacts
are a high priority), the silky shark is considered to be susceptible to over-exploitation
by analogy with better known Carcharinids.
Species:8.27 Smoothtooth blacktip (Carcharhinus leiodon)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (B1, 2c, C2b).
Red list rationale:Known from a single record from the Gulf of Aden, where
sharks are heavily fished. Presumed to have a very restricted distribution
in the North Indian Ocean and a small population.
Species:8.28 Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas)
Assessor(s):C. Simpfendorfer and G. H. Burgess
Red list assessment:Lower risk (near threatened)
Red list rationale:This common tropical and subtropical species occurs in
marine, estuarine and freshwater, and can penetrate long distances up large
rivers. It is caught in fisheries throughout its range, but is rarely a target
species. Its occurrence in estuaries and freshwater makes it very vulnerable
to human impacts and habitat modification. Given this species' habitat requirements
in areas that are currently heavily impacted by human activity, its life history,
and target and bycatch in many inshore fisheries, there is some concern that
bull sharks may be threatened. Average length of bull sharks caught by the
Natal Sharks Board have declined significantly.
Species:8.29 Blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus)
Assessor(s):G.H.Burgess & S.Branstetter
Red list assessment:Lower risk (near threatened). Vulnerable (A1bcd, 2cd)
in NW Atlantic.
Red list rationale:A modest-sized shark widespread in warm-temperate, subtropical
and tropical waters world-wide. It frequents inshore waters as adults and
has inshore nursery areas, making it highly vulnerable to fishing pressure
and human-induced habitat alteration. Frequently captured in commercial and
recreational fisheries, its meat is valuable and fins highly marketable.
Species:8.30 Oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus)
Assessor(s):M.J.Smale
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened).
Red list rationale:This species is a widespread and common large pelagic shark
of warm oceanic waters. It presumably has a low reproductive capacity, but
is extremely abundant and wide-ranging and is subject to fishery pressure
as a common bycatch species with tuna and other pelagic species. This bycatch
is either inadequately reported or unrecorded. The fins are highly prized
in trade although the carcass is often discarded. Fishery pressure is likely
to persist, if not increase in future, and the impact of this fishing pressure
is presently unknown.
Species:8.31 Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
Assessor(s):M. Heupel
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened).
Red list rationale:A common and wide-ranging species of the Indo-West Pacific
and Central Pacific. Commonly found in shallow waters on and near coral reefs
and occasionally in brackish waters. Regularly caught by inshore fisheries
and vulnerable to depletion because of its small litter sizes and long gestation
periods.
Species:8.32 Dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus)
Assessor(s):M. Camhi, J. Musick & C. Simpfendorfer
Red list assessment:Lower risk (near threatened) Vulnerable (A1abd) NW Atlantic
& Gulf of Mexico
Red list rationale:A large, wide-ranging, coastal and pelagic warm water species.
Among the slowest-growing, latest-maturing of known sharks, bearing small
litters after a long gestation, and one of the most vulnerable of vertebrates
to depletion by man because of its very low intrinsic rate of increase. Difficult
to manage or protect because it is taken with other more productive sharks
in mixed species fisheries, and has a high mortality rate when taken as bycatch.
Catch rates for dusky shark in the western Atlantic have declined markedly.
The population in the northwestern Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico is now probably
at 15-20% of its mid-1970s abundance. In other regions the impact of fishing
has not been as great, but still requires close monitoring.
Species:8.33 Sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus)
Assessor(s):J.A. Musick
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened). Vulnerable (A1a,b,d &
2d) in Northwest Atlantic.
Red list rationale:A large, slow-growing, late-maturing and low-fecundity
coastal species, common and widespread in subtropical and warm temperate waters
world-wide. An important component of shark fisheries in most areas where
it occurs, although catch data are sparse. Severely overfished in the western
North Atlantic, although the stock still contains over 100,000 individuals
and supports an active and now tightly managed fishery. A management plan
in US waters implemented in 1993 has led to stock stabilisation and the beginning
of recovery.
Species:8.34 Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)
Assessor(s):C. Simpfendorfer
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened).
Red list rationale:This large omnivorous shark is common world-wide in tropical
and warm-temperate coastal waters. It is a relatively fast growing and fecund
species, caught regularly in target and non-target fisheries. There is evidence
of declines for several populations where they have been heavily fished. Continued
demand, especially for the valuable fins, may result in further declines in
the future, but this species can withstand a higher level of fishing activity
than many other species of shark. Additionally, juvenile survivorship increases
where adult tiger shark populations have been depleted by fisheries and predation
of young is lessened.
Species:8.35 Ganges shark (Glyphis gangeticus)
Assessor(s):L.J.V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Endangered (A1c,d & 2c,d; C2b).
Red list rationale:Originally known only from three museum specimens, collected
in the 19th century from fresh water in the lower reaches of the Ganges-Hooghly
river system. Probably confined to turbid waters of rivers, estuaries and
inshore waters in this area. Recently re-reported from the coast of India,
but the records need confirmation.
Species:8.36 Speartooth shark (Glyphis glyphis)
Assessor(s):L.J.V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Endangered (C2a).
Red list rationale:Known from a single specimen of uncertain location within
the Indo-Pacific, with additional material (a few jaws only) of possibly the
same species from Papua-New Guinea. Ecology and life history parameters unknown,
but extremely rare, and probably confined to rivers, estuaries and coastal
waters under significant development and exploitation pressures.
Species:8.37 Lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris)
Assessor(s):S Gruber & L F Sundström
Red list assessment:Lower risk (near threatened)
Red list rationale:This large slow-growing coastal shark is common on Atlantic
coasts from the US to Brazil and possibly in some west African countries,
and in the Pacific from Baja California to Ecuador. Young sharks remain in
sheltered coastal nurseries, some of which are subject to habitat degradation.
Adults may undertake long seasonal migrations. The species is caught in largely
unmanaged commercial and recreational fisheries, and there is increasing evidence
of local population depletion in the Eastern Pacific and West Atlantic.
Species:8.38 Blue shark (Prionace glauca)
Assessor(s):J. Stevens
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened).
Red list rationale:While blue sharks are among the most abundant, widespread,
fecund and faster growing of the elasmobranchs, and a pelagic species that
is widely distributed throughout the world's oceans, they are also the most
heavily fished sharks in the world. The impact of an annual fisheries mortality
(mainly of bycatch) of an estimated ten to 20 million individuals is likely
to be having an effect on the world population, but monitoring data are inadequate
to assess the scale of any population decline. There is concern over the removal
of such large numbers of this likely keystone predator from the oceanic ecosystem.
Species:8.39 Atlantic sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae)
Assessor(s):E. Cortés
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (least concern)
Red list rationale:A small coastal shark that is abundant within its western
North Atlantic range. Despite high pressure from both directed and incidental
fisheries, R. terraenovae appears to be a fast maturing, relatively fecund
species with moderate potential population rates of increase.
Species:8.40 Spadenose shark (Scoliodon laticaudus)
Assessor(s):C. Simpfendorfer
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened)
Red list rationale:This small coastal shark is abundant in the northern Indian
Ocean and Southeast Asia. Despite being commonly caught in fisheries there
are no data available on its status. Its life history should make it more
resilient to fishing than larger, longer-lived, species of elasmobranch, but
limited fecundity suggests that it could be vulnerable to recruitment over-fishing.
Species:8.41 Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus)
Assessor(s):M. Smale
Red list assessment:Lower risk (near threatened)
Red list rationale:This small shark is widely distributed in warm shallow
Indo-Pacific waters and is closely associated with coral reefs. Its restricted
habitat, depth range, small litter size and moderately late age at maturity
suggest that, with increasing fishing pressure, this species may become threatened.
Species:8.42 Scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini)
Assessor(s):J.E. Kotas
Red list assessment:Lower risk (near threatened)
Red list rationale:This common large hammerhead is widely distributed in warm
temperate and tropical seas, occurring from the shore and surface over continental
and insular shelves to adjacent deep water. Pups occupy shallow coastal nursery
grounds, often heavily exploited by inshore fisheries. This widely distributed
species is extremely commonly taken in fisheries, both as a target species
and as utilised bycatch (fins are highly valued). Lack of data on population
trends makes it difficult to assess whether the high level of catches of this
species at all life stages is having an effect on stocks, but some declines
are reported.
Species:8.43 Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran)
Assessor(s):J. Denham
Red list assessment:Data Deficient
Red list rationale:A large widely-distributed tropical water shark, largely
restricted to continental shelves. Although not targeted directly by commercial
fisheries, this is a probable bycatch species of tropical longline and drift
net fisheries, with high value fins.
Species:8.44 Bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo)
Assessor(s):E. Cortés
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (least concern)
Red list rationale:An abundant small hammerhead of shallow estuaries and bays
on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of America. Despite pressure from both
directed and incidental fisheries, S. tiburo is an abundant species with some
of the highest population rates of increase calculated for sharks.
Species:8.45 Smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena)
Assessor(s):C. Simpfendorfer
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened).
Red list rationale:A relatively common and wide-spread shark, captured in
a number of fisheries throughout its range, mostly by gillnet and longline.
There is likely to be significant mortality of this species in large-scale
longline and driftnet fisheries, although the impact on populations is unknown
at present. Fins from hammerhead sharks are prized in Asia and individuals
caught as by-catch are unlikely to be released alive.
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9. Order Pristiformes, sawfishes.
Species:9.1 Knifetooth, sawfish (Anoxypristis cuspidata)
Assessor(s):L.J.V.Compagno, S.F.Cook & M. I. Oetinger
Red list assessment:Endangered (A1a,c,d,e & 2c,d,e).
Red list rationale:This large sawfish is distributed through much of the Indo-West
Pacific region. It is, like all other Pristids, disproportionately subject
to continued capture in the net gear widely employed throughout its range.
It is also vulnerable to habitat loss and damage as a result of human activities
in shallow inshore coastal waters and estuaries. Extensive fishing and this
species K-selected life history have caused substantial reductions in abundance
and the virtual disappearance of this species from commercial catches in regions
where it was once considered fairly common.
Species:9.2 Dwarf or Queensland sawfish (Pristis clavata)
Assessor(s):S.F.Cook, L.J.V. Compagno & P. R. Last
Red list assessment:Endangered (A1a,c,d & 2c,d).
Red list rationale:This small species of sawfish is known only from northern
Australia, but may also occur through Indonesia and adjacent areas of Southeast
Asia. The population is much reduced as a result of bycatch in commercial
gillnet and trawl fisheries throughout its limited confirmed range. Its known
distribution may expand with further collections in adjacent waters, but these
areas are also fished sufficiently intensively for all species of sawfishes
to be commonly bycaught in local fisheries and for populations to be similarly
depleted.
Species:9.3 Great-tooth or freshwater sawfish (Pristis microdon)
Assessor(s):L.J.V.Compagno & S.F.Cook
Red list assessment:Endangered (A1bcde & 2bcde). Critically Endangered
(A1abc & 2cd) in South East Asia.
Red list rationale:A large species of sawfish that occurs mostly in freshwaters
of Southeast Asia and Australia. It is extremely vulnerable to fisheries and
virtually all known populations have experienced very serious declines. It
is also threatened by habitat loss and degradation over most of its range
from eastern India, through much of Southeast Asia, to Northern Australia.
Species:9.4 Smalltooth or wide sawfish (Pristis pectinata)
Assessor(s):W. F. Adams
Red list assessment:Endangered (A1bcd, & 2cd). Critically Endangered (A1bcd,
& 2cd) in North and Southwest Atlantic.
Red list rationale:This large, widely distributed, sawfish has been wholly
or nearly extirpated from large areas of its former range in the North Atlantic
(Mediterranean, US Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico) and the Southwest Atlantic
coast by fishing and habitat modification. Its status elsewhere is uncertain
but likely to be similarly reduced. Reports of this species from outside the
Atlantic may be misidentifications of other pristids, but these populations
are also likely to be similarly affected.
Species:9.5 Largetooth sawfish (Pristis perotteti)
Assessor(s):S.F.Cook, L.J.V. Compagno, & M. I. Oetinger
Red list assessment:Critically Endangered (A1abc, 2cd).
Red list rationale:A large, previously widely distributed marine, estuarine
and freshwater sawfish. It has been taken in (former) directed fisheries and
extremely vulnerable to bycatch in virtually all fisheries throughout its
Atlantic and Eastern Pacific range. The species has been extirpated from its
former European range and its status is known to be especially serious in
Lake Nicaragua and other Central American sites.
Species:9.6 Common sawfish (Pristis pristis)
Assessor(s):S.F.Cook & L.J.V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Critically Endangered (A1abc, 2cd).
Red list rationale:A large species of sawfish that was once common in the
Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic, but has now, along with all other sawfishes,
been extirpated from Europe and the Mediterranean. Its status in West Africa
is unsurveyed, but it is extremely vulnerable to bycatch and is believed to
be severely depleted in Africa, where elasmobranch fisheries effort has increased.
Without timely intervention, there is a high probability that this sawfish
will become extinct.
Species:9.7 Green sawfish (Pristis zijsron)
Assessor(s):L. J.V. C, S. F. Cook & M. I. Oetinger
Red list assessment:Endangered (A1bcd, & 2cd).
Red list rationale:A formerly common Indo-West Pacific sawfish that inhabits
marine areas. Intensive exploitation in directed and bycatch fisheries throughout
its Australian, South East Asian and Indian Ocean range has resulted in severe
population depletions in many, if not most, areas. Records have been extremely
infrequent or absent from some parts of its (former?) range during the past
30-40 years.
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10. Order Rhinobatiformes, guitarfishes.
Species:10.1 Whitespot giant guitarfish (Rhynchobatus djiddensis)
Assessor(s):C. Simpfendorfer
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (A1bd, A2d).
Red list rationale:A large guitarfish common in the Indo-West Pacific. Its
fins are highly prized in Asian markets and are among the most valuable of
any species, making it an important target in retained bycatch and directed
fisheries throughout its range. Substantial declines in abundance have been
documented in the extensive targeted Indonesian fishery and are likely occurring
elsewhere, although there is virtually no effective management or recording
of catches of this species in the Indo-West Pacific. Limited life history
data make accurate assessment of its status difficult and life history research
is a high priority.
Species:10.2 Brazilian guitarfish (Rhinobatos horkelii)
Assessor(s):R. Lessa & C. M. Vooren
Red list assessment:Critically Endangered A1b,d, Ab,d.
Red list rationale:The abundance of this medium-sized coastal species from
the southeastern coast of South America has decreased in Southern Brazil (the
centre of its range) by 96% over the ten years from 1984, when landings peaked,
to 1994. It is extremely vulnerable to capture by fisheries because the inshore
areas where all pregnant females and adult males congregate for parturition
and mating are so heavily fished. Immature fish, which remain inshore year-round,
are also taken. Because the fishery targets several other elasmobranchs, and
is not dependent on R. horkelli, the near-extinction of this species alone
will not cause the fishery to close. It is therefore quite likely that this
endemic guitarfish could be driven to extinction in the foreseeable future.
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11. Order Torpediniformes, electric rays.
Species:11.1 Pacific Electric Ray (Torpedo californica)
Assessor(s):J A Neer
Red list assessment:Lower risk (least concern)
Red list rationale:The Pacific electric ray has a restricted distribution
in relatively shallow, inshore waters on the west coast of North America.
Targeted commercial or recreational fisheries do not threaten it, and levels
of bycatch appear low.
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12. Order Rajiformes, skates.
Species:12.1 Deepsea skate (Bathyraja abyssicola)
Assessor(s):S.F. Cook, G. Zorzi & L.J.V. Compagno.
Red list assessment:Data Deficient.
Red list rationale:Information is lacking on the range, population size, stock
structure and biology of this and other rarely recorded deep-sea species,
with few deepwater fisheries recording catches to species level. However,
as fishing effort continues to move into deeper water, such species will appear
in increasing numbers in bycatch. More research is required on this and other
poorly known deep-sea species to fully determine their threatened status.
Species:12.2 Common skate (Raja (Dipturus) batis)
Assessor(s):J. Ellis & P. Walker
Red list assessment:Endangered (A1abcd; A2bcd). Critically Endangered (A1abcd;
A2bcd) in shelf seas
Red list rationale:This skate, the largest European rajid, was once an abundant
constituent of the demersal fish community of north-west Europe. Fisheries
data indicate that populations of D. batis have undergone an extremely high
level of depletion in the central part of its range around the British Isles
since the early 20th Century (the three generation period). It has been extirpated
from certain areas, but is still caught in Scottish waters and along the shelf
edge. Although landings appear stable in other parts of the species' NW Atlantic
range, this is attributed to the redirection of fishing effort from shelf
seas (where heavily depleted populations are now Critically Endangered) into
deeper water where previously unfished populations are now being taken. Fishing
pressure on this species is unlikely to be reduced in future.
Species:12.3 Big skate (Raja (Dipturus) binoculata)
Assessor(s):J. Ellis & N. Dulvey
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened)
Red list rationale:This large-bodied demersal skate occurs in the north-eastern
Pacific, from California to Alaska, and is one of the three most important
rajids fished in the southern part of its range. Population data are inadequate
to determine its precise exploitation status. It is, however, one of the larger,
slow maturing species of skate and its biological characteristics likely make
it as susceptible to over-fishing as D. batis and D. laevis.
Species:12.4 Thornback skate (Raja (Raja) clavata)
Assessor(s):J. Ellis & P. Walker
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened)
Red list rationale:Raja clavata is one of the most abundant rajids in the
North-eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, and is an important component of
mixed demersal trawl fisheries. It is also taken in set nets and targeted
by recreational anglers. There is some evidence of decline in catch rates
in NW European waters. A minimum landing size exists in certain inshore areas
of the UK.
Species:12.5 Barndoor skate (Raja laevis)
Assessor(s):J Musick
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (A1bcd, A2d)
Red list rationale:The barndoor skate, one of the largest rajiids in the Northwest
Atlantic, matures late and is highly vulnerable to capture in multispecies
fisheries. Shallow water populations have been severely overfished; 45 years
ago this skate was recorded in 10% of tows on St Pierre Bank, Newfoundland,
but none has been caught there for 20 years. Very recent surveys indicate
an increasing trend in abundance (<1%) in both the US and Canada, as a
result of a significant reduction in fisheries activity, and that this stock
(or another) extends into deep water (>500m) off Canada. The latter may
not be outside the range of current fishing gears.
Species:12.6 Smalleyed ray, (Raja microocellata)
Assessor(s):J. Ellis
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (near threatened)
Red list rationale:Raja microocellata is restricted to the Atlantic coasts
of Northwest Europe, from Gibraltar to the British Isles. It favours sandy
bays and is only recorded as abundant at a few sites (e.g. Bristol Channel,
UK and Bertheaume Bay, France). Given its restricted and patchy geographical
distribution and localised abundance, however, local populations may potentially
be vulnerable to over-fishing, habitat degradation and other anthropogenic
disturbance.
Species:12.7 Port Davey skate (Raja sp.)
Assessor(s):D. Gledhill & P. Last
Red list assessment:Endangered (B1&2c)
Red list rationale:Very little is known of this primitive skate, which was
discovered just over a decade ago. It is only recorded from Bathurst and Macquarie
Harbours on the Tasmanian west coast, which may contain two distinct populations.
Its range in these estuary systems is not known, but is likely to be small,
appearing to favour the shallow upper regions. There are no scientific data
relating to the biology, distribution or the environmental requirements of
this animal. Based on the few initial studies into this species, it appears
that the population is very small.
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13. Order Myliobatiformes, stingrays.
Species:13.1 Shorttailed river stingray (Potamotrygon brachyurus)
Assessor(s):M. Drioli and G. Chiaramonte.
Red list assessment:Data Deficient
Red list rationale:One of the seven nominal species of Potamotrygon of the
Paraná - Uruguay river drainages, southern South America. A poorly
known endemic and moderately common freshwater ray, its status is uncertain
due to the sparse life history and population data available. Further study
and re-assessment in the near future is highly recommended for this ray, which
is harpooned for food, has a limited geographic range and a freshwater habitat
facing major impacts.
Species:13.2 Tocantins River Ray (Potamotrygon henlei)
Assessor(s):R.S. Rosa and M.L.G. Araújo
Red list assessment:Data Deficient
Red list rationale:A rare, poorly known river ray, possibly endemic to the
Tocantins and Araguaia River drainages in Brazil where freshwater habitat
degradation is occurring. Although this attractive freshwater ray enters the
ornamental fish trade, life history and population data are lacking. Further
study and a new assessment in the near future is highly recommended for this
species.
Species:13.3 Xingu River Ray (Potamotrygon leopoldi)
Assessor(s):R.S. Rosa and M.L.G. Araújo
Red list assessment:Data Deficient
Red list rationale:A rare river ray, possibly endemic to the Xingu River drainage
in Brazil where freshwater habitat is threatened by illegal mining activity.
It is caught for food by natives and exported in large numbers to the ornamental
fish trade. There are no life history or population data for this poorly known
freshwater ray. Further study and a new assessment in the near future is highly
recommended, due to this rays' limited geographic range and threatened habitat.
Species:13.4 Ocellate river stingray (Potamotrygon motoro)
Assessor(s):M. Drioli and G. Chiaramonte.
Red list assessment:Data Deficient
Red list rationale:The most abundant and widespread of the seven nominal species
of Potamotrygon endemic to southern South America. Although this species is
taken for food and juveniles enter the ornamental fish trade, it is poorly
known with sparse life history and population data available. Further study
and a new assessment in the near future is highly recommended, due to this
species' limited geographic range and the major impacts to its freshwater
habitat.
Species:13.5 Black river stingray (Potamotrygon pauckei)
Assessor(s):M. Drioli and G. Chiaramonte.
Red list assessment:Data Deficient
Red list rationale:One of the seven nominal species of Potamotrygon endemic
to southern South America. This brackish water ray is poorly known and life
history and population data are lacking. Further study and a new assessment
in the near future is highly recommended, due to this species' limited geographic
range and the major impacts affecting its river habitat.
Species:13.6 Smooth freshwater or Niger stingray (D. garouaensis)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (B1 & 2cde; C2b).
Red list rationale:This species is confirmed from only three West African
rivers, and has declined or disappeared from parts of its original centre
of abundance. Population declines will likely continue as a result of expanding
fisheries and environmental degradation, and there is no direct or indirect
protection for this species or its habitat.
Species:13.7 Mekong freshwater stingray (Dasyatis laosensis)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Endangered (A1cde & 2cde; B1 & 2ce)
Red list rationale:This obligate freshwater stingray has a limited distribution
in just two rivers (Mekong and Chao Phraya). It is under heavy (incidental)
fishing pressure and, more importantly, it is being affected by habitat degradation
on a massive scale.
Species:13.8 Giant freshwater whipray (Himantura chaophraya)
Assessor(s):L. J.V. Compagno & S. F. Cook
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (A1bcde & 2ce). Critically Endangered (A1b,c,d,e
& 2c,e) in Thailand and probably other localities.
Red list rationale:This obligate freshwater species is recorded from several
rivers in South East Asia and northern Australia and is probably unrecorded
in others. The potential for exchange between these subpopulations is presumably
very limited. The species has been and will continue to be adversely affected
in much of its range by a complex of factors including directed and bycatch
fisheries and habitat alteration or destruction. The possibility of extinction
in the wild for some subpopulations is considered extremely high, but the
status of those in Australia is probably favourable.
Species:13.9 Ganges stingray (Himantura fluviatilis)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Endangered (A1cde & 2cde, B1 & 2c).
Red list rationale:This giant stingray as currently known (from few specimens)
has a limited distribution, restricted to the Ganges River system, where it
is threatened by fisheries, pollution and habitat degradation. There is a
difference of nomenclatural opinion between systematists as to the correct
name for this species; regardless, Indian populations are under threat.
Species:13.10 Marbled freshwater stingray (H. oxyrhyncha)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Endangered, (B1&2c).
Red list rationale:This very rare species is known from only five specimens
in museum collections worldwide, three being the syntypes from Pnom Penh,
Kampuchea. It is known to occur from only three or four riverine systems.
It is confined to tropical freshwater habitats that are under intensive threat
from fisheries, pollution, logging in the catchment areas and river engineering
projects, and is a desirable aquarium species.
Species:13.11 White-edge freshwater whipray (Himantura signifer)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Endangered, (B1&2c).
Red list rationale:This very rare species is known from only a few specimens
and four riverine systems (although it may also be present but unrecorded
in other rivers). It is confined to tropical freshwater habitats that are
under intensive threat from fisheries, pollution, logging in the catchment
areas and river engineering projects.
Species:13.12 Bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (Near Threatened).
Red list rationale:Although very wide-ranging and common, this species is
subject to human-induced problems because of capture in intensive inshore
fisheries in most places where it occurs, its attractiveness for the marine
aquarium fish trade (small size and brilliant colour pattern), and, especially,
by widespread destruction of its reef habitat.
Species:13.13 Porcupine ray (Urogymnus asperrimus)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (A1bd & 2d)
Red list rationale:Although wide-spread in the Indian Ocean and Indo- West
Pacific, this species does not seem to be regularly recorded, and has certainly
significantly decreased in abundance in parts of the centre of its range for
which comparative data are available.
Species:13.14 Pincushion ray (Urogymnus ukpam)
Assessor(s):L. J. V. Compagno
Red list assessment:Endangered (B1 & 2ce).
Red list rationale:Uncommon to rare, with less than ten specimens in museum
collections, most recently collected in any numbers from the lakes of Gabon
or adjacent rivers. Described as being abundant in the rivers of "Old
Calabar" in the last century, but seldom reported since.
Species:13.15 Spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari)
Assessor(s):H. Ishihara
Red list assessment:Data Deficient.
Red list rationale:A very widely distributed, relatively fecund, schooling
species. This ray is taken as bycatch in much of its range in tropical and
warm temperate seas. No data available on population trends.
Species:13.16 Bat ray (Myliobatis californicus)
Assessor(s):G. M. Cailliet
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (LR) Least Concern.
Red list rationale:This abundant eastern Pacific coastal ray is relatively
fast-growing and fecund. It is not a major fisheries target, being taken primarily
by recreational anglers and only secondarily by commercial fishermen. There
are no reliable population estimates, catch data are unreliable and catch
per unit effort do not exist. Adequate life history data exist for California
and Oregon waters, a sizeable portion of its range and the main centre of
distribution for this species, to indicate that there does not appear to be
a threat to the US population.
Species:13.17 Manta Ray (Manta birostris)
Assessor(s):H. Ishihara
Red list assessment:Lower Risk (least concern). Vulnerable (A1b) in the Gulf
of California, South China Sea, Sulu Sea.
Red list rationale:This common and widespread large coastal plankton-feeding
ray is very widely distributed in tropical shelf waters and around oceanic
islands. Mantas give birth to just one very large pup every two or three years.
There are no target fisheries in most parts of its range, and bycatch is rare
under the present fishing methods in use world-wide. Unfished populations
are not thought to be threatened. However, population declines have been observed
where target fishing has taken place. The species is reportedly now very scarce
in the Gulf of California.
Species:13.18 Giant devilray (Mobula mobular)
Assessor(s):G. Notarbartolo di Sciara
Red list assessment:Vulnerable (A1c,d).
Red list rationale:This huge plankton feeding ray is the largest of the genus
Mobula. It has a very low reproductive capacity (giving birth to a single
huge pup at unknown intervals) and a limited range in offshore deepwaters
of the Mediterranean (and possibly adjoining North Atlantic waters). Its Mediterranean
population is suspected to have declined as a result of bycatch mortality
and declining habitat quality.