Shark Foundation
Photo © Klaus Jost
Photo © Klaus Jost
Photo © Klaus Jost
Foundation
In 2024 the Shark Foundation continued to invest heavily in shark conservation, monitoring projects and supporting them with its international network. In addition to two long-term projects and seven existing projects, four new or expanded projects were added to the portfolio. Three projects were successfully completed.
Scientific research is expensive, especially when it comes to marine organisms such as sharks. In addition to actual research materials, added costs thus often ensue for boats, crew, fuel, travel, etc. Molecular biological research – for example the analysis of population dynamics or the study of large-scale migrations using satellite transmitters – consume vast amounts of research money and usually can only be financed by large laboratories, often with several donors. Where appropriate, the relatively small Shark Foundation supports or participates in larger projects that specifically serve shark conservation. Sometimes, however, projects that are small and relatively inexpensive can be very interesting (e.g. the analysis of local fish markets and shark landings in poorly studied regions such as India, Angola or Ghana). Such projects are rarely supported by large donors, especially by national research institutions. By funding such projects and networking project leaders with each other and with larger laboratories that cooperate with us, it enables the Foundation to substantially contribute to shark conservation with minimum effort.
The Shark Foundation has been dedicated to the worldwide protection of sharks since 1997. Without the financial support of many small and large donors it would be impossible for us to continue our work for the protection of sharks and hence for our oceans.
We are thus deeply grateful to all our donors and patrons for their generous support that helps us continue our work!
EEA Conference
2024 Thessaloniki, Greece
The 2024 Conference of the European Elasmobranch Association (EEA) took place from October 21 to 24 in Thessaloniki, Greece. As always it was very successful both scientifically and with regard to networking. Representing the Swiss-based Shark Foundation at the conference and as participants in various committee meetings were Dr. Alexander Godknecht, Dr. Gaston D. Guex und Rolf Fässler.
Publications
The publication of scientific results that were controlled by specialists prior to their release (Peer Review) is one of the most important goals of research. Only through such publications can other scientists and the public benefit from the results. The Shark Foundation is thus very proud of the fact that to date at least 127 scientific publications have resulted from the projects it supports, in addition to the various nonscientific reports on shark protection projects that were published in the media.
2024/25 saw the release of 10 scientific publications on Foundation projects, a Master’s thesis and several reports in popular media (e.g. Forbes).
Shark Exhibit
The exhibit is in storage and we are always looking for new locations.
Total Investments to date: approx. CHF 279,000
Population Genomics
of Large Shark Species
The project is led by the laboratory that is under the direction of Professor Mahmood Shivji and includes conducting molecular genetic analyses of various large deep-sea sharks such as great hammerheads, makos, white sharks, silky sharks, sixgill sharks and oceanic whitetip sharks. Using molecular biology, the analyses will be used to investigate global genetic links between populations of especially large oceanic sharks and other endangered shark species.
Genetic connections provide information on whether individual populations are isolated or if they mix with other populations, enabling them to compensate for any losses through the integration of other species. Prof. Shivji’s team published two scientific papers on this topic in 2024/25.
Project Management: Prof. Mahmood Shivji, Nova Southeastern University, FL, USA
Expenditures 2024: CHF 10,700
Investments to date: approx. CHF 91,500
Global Analysis of Large
Shark Species Migrations
Many shark species are undergoing massive decline worldwide. The main cause is that fisheries are being increasingly pressured to fulfill the high demand for shark meat, especially their fins. As top hunters large sharks grow slowly and thus not only take longer to become sexually mature but also have fewer young, making them especially vulnerable to overfishing.
Oceanic sharks are frequently found in the same regions where international fishing fleets are active. Analyzing their migratory routes is thus particularly important. In 2024 an analysis of silky shark migrations in the tropical Eastern Pacific and of mako sharks in the North Atlantic was made and the Foundation is helping to finance a position that is evaluating the collected satellite data. Prof. Shivji's team published two scientific papers on this topic in 2024/25.
Project Management: Prof. Mahmood Shivji, Nova Southeastern University, FL, USA
Expenditures 2024: CHF 7,100
Investments to date: approx. CHF 63,300
Shark Nurseries
The shark “nursery” project in Rookery Bay, 10,000 Islands, Florida, has been managed by Pat O’Donnell since 2000 in cooperation with the Mote Marine Lab. The region is frequented by sharks as a primary nursery (newborns) and secondary nursery (juvenile sharks one year and older). The study region includes Fakahatchee, Fake Union and Pumpkin Bay.
The marshlands, whose waters flow into these bays, were drained over 20 years ago for a land reclamation project which, however, failed. It was only a few years ago that the State of Florida decided to restore the original marshlands. Although this project has been severely delayed and to date has not been completed, results are slowly beginning to show. The amount of fresh water that was previously diverted into the sea through canals in order to drain the swamp is now decreasing. The goal of this research is to determine how any salinity change in these nursery areas affects juvenile sharks.
The Foundation continues to invest in this project whenever required.
Project Management: Pat O'Donnel, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, FL, USA
Expenditures 2024: CHF -0-
Investments to date: approx. CHF 61,500
Fiji Shark Sanctuary
The Fiji Shark Conservation Park project is now self-sustaining. If necessary the Foundation will, however, provide financial assistance. In 2005, the Foundation financed the boat "Reef Warden" which was used to monitor the reef and was able to drive out illegal fishermen. At the end of 2013 Mike Neumann requested further investments in the Fiji Shark Count Project whose aim was to inventory all sharks in the region retroactive to the year 2012.
The Fiji Shark Count is still in progress and was co-financed by the Foundation in 2013/14. In 2015 Christine Ward-Paige from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada, evaluated the data collected during the Fiji Shark Count.
Results show that the biodiversity and number of species, not only of sharks, have increased massively thanks to the establishment of the conservation park. The shark sanctuary not only serves as a nature reserve, but also provides researchers, e.g. Natasha Morosi with her bull shark project (see below), easy access to specific species such as bull sharks for respective shark research projects.
The Foundation continues to invest in this project whenever required.
Project Management: Mike Neumann, Fiji
Expenditures 2024: CHF -0-
Investments to date: approx. CHF 41,800
Migration of Large Coastal Sharks
in Jupiter, FL, and the Bahamas
Bull Shark Migrations Jupiter/Bimini/Bahamas
This project studies the movements of large shark species such as hammerheads, tiger sharks, lemon sharks as well as bull sharks in the region. In 2024 the project focused primarily on bull and lemon sharks because changes in authorization procedures made it impossible to research great hammerhead sharks. It is unclear if and when the project with hammerhead sharks can continue, in worst case the project will be closed.
For the moment the project remains inactive until a new proposal is on the table.
Project Management: Matthew J. Smukall, Bimini Biological Field Station Foundation, Bahamas
Expenditures 2020 - 2021/22: CHF 18,700
Investments to date: approx. CHF 86,200
Whale Sharks
In 2024 the Marine Megafauna (MMF) Team under the direction of Dr. Simon Pierce and Dr. Chris Rohner continued its research on whale sharks.
Mozambique:
Madagascar:
Tansania / Mafia Island:
Project Management: Dr. Simon Pierce, Dr. Chris Rohner, Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF), Mozambique
Expenditures 2024: approx. CHF 9,300
Investments to date: approx. CHF 148,500
Cape Verde Shark Conservation Project
Completed 2024
West Africa’s Cape Verde is an archipelago consisting of ten volcanic islands. It is home to more than 60 species of sharks and rays, including whale sharks, tiger sharks and manta rays. These species have been exploited uncontrollably in West Africa for many years. However, the Cape Verde Islands – especially Brava and Maio – are exceptional in that they are the only regions where sharks and rays are not intensively fished. This makes them a hotspot for these species and is one of their last refuges in the northeastern Atlantic.
After the various corona lockdowns in 2020/21, the project was slowly resumed at the end of 2021. Since then, various activities in public relations, the protection of shark prey fish and the fight against illegal industrial and sport fishing are beginning to bear fruit.
Whether or not any further investments will be made will be decided at the next meeting of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Project Management: Fauna & Flora International
Expenditures 2022/2023/2024: CHF -0-
Investments to date: approx. CHF 20,000
Artisanal Fisheries
in Angola
A critical decline in sharks has been observed in West Africa mainly caused by an ever-increasing demand for shark fins in the Asian region. Especially threatened by this reduction are great hammerheads, lemon sharks and bull sharks, but many other shark species are also affected.
Angola is located in the northern part of the so-called Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME). The BCLME is an extremely proliferous marine region because the confluence of the Benguela and Angola currents creates eddies that transport nutrient-rich deep water to the surface.
The demand for shark fins has led to a massive increase in local coastal fishing in Angola, especially in the past 10 years (source FAO, United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization). Since no precise data on targeted shark fishing is currently available, this project aims precisely at collecting such data.
The project is progressing well and has been extended as it represents an important source of information on shark species and their local catch numbers in West Africa - information that so far has been very poorly documented. A third interim report including data from various ports in Angola is available.
In 2021 Ana Lucia Furtado Soares was accepted into the IUCN Shark Specialist Group and will continue her dissertation work on Angola at the Ludwig Maximilian University (Munich, Germany).
In 2024 the focus was on analyzing coastal fishing in the southern part of the country. As a result, information on shark catches and their utilization along the entire coast of Angola will be available.
Project Management: Ana Lucia Furtado Soares, Ludwig Maximilian University, Germany
Expenditures from 2017-2019: approx. CHF 9,500
Expenditures 2024: CHF 5,800
Investments to date: approx. CHF 31,600
Artisanal Fisheries in Ghana
Completed 2024
Ghana is one of the most important shark and ray fishing nations in West Africa. Their fisheries are also one of the biggest employers in the coastal regions, securing the livelihood and income for many of the poorest communities on the Ghanaian coast.
The project aims at collecting basic critical information on indigenous fisheries in Ghana, focusing on ecological, cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of such fisheries in western Ghana. Specific threats to sharks that are typical for a region are analyzed in detail. Based on this previously unavailable data, a national strategy will be developed to sustainably protect and manage Ghana's shark and ray populations.
Project results were published in 2022 in three scientific journals.
The project was supposed to end in 2022 but was extended for one year until 2023, based on a request from, and good arguments submitted by the Project Manager.
Project Management: Seidu Issah, AquaLife Conservancy, Ghana
Expenditures 2024: CHF -0-
Investments to date: approx. CHF 24,450
Social Behavior of Bull Sharks
in Fidji
Bull shark populations in Fiji have been studied extensively and like all bull sharks their status on the Red List of the IUCN is “almost threatened.” However, those bull sharks living in the waters around Fiji are considered more endangered because they do not mix with the nearest bull shark populations due to the latter’s distance from Fiji, thus making it impossible for them to compensate for their losses.
Although much knowledge has already been acquired about bull sharks, very little information is available regarding their social behavior. We know that sharks often develop social structures, form groups and cliques, learn from others and that they differ in individual behavior.
Managing this project is Natasha Dominique Marosi who in her dissertation will examine the social behavior of bull sharks around Fiji in detail. The following questions need to be answered:
Work on the project is progressing well. In 2022 it was expanded to include a shark tagging component with acoustic transmitters. This extension adds important value to the project, prompting the Foundation to approve a one-time additional $10,000 for the transmitters and accessories.
Project Management: Natasha Dominique Marosi
Expenditures from 2021- 2023/2024: approx. CHF 15,000
Expenditures 2024: CHF 4,300
Investments to date: approx. CHF 28,300
Critical Regions for Sharks
in Greece
Sharks are threatened worldwide, but for years now severe overfishing in the Mediterranean Sea has been causing an even more dramatic decline in their numbers. Known for their rich diversity of shark and ray species (67 to be exact), the waters around Greece are thus vital when it comes to maintaining biodiversity. The western region of the Mediterranean Sea has been fairly well researched when it comes to sharks and rays as opposed to the eastern area. That makes the waters around Greece especially interesting.
The project will include searching the Ambracian Gulf for possible shark nursery grounds. This region is a partially enclosed shallow water area in the Ionian Sea that is home to many large marine species such as dolphins, sea turtles and at least six species of rays. Nothing, however, is known about any shark species found there.
The project team also plans to study shark populations, especially the endangered but unprotected sandbar sharks (Charcharhinus plumbeus) found in the Mediterranean Sea. Using bycatch analyses, tagging and so-called citizen science (e.g. the analysis of private shark photos posted online in social media), the team will try to establish a long-term monitoring system of shark populations located there.
Project Management: Ioannis Giovos, iSea, Greece
Expenditures 2024: CHF 4,700
Total investments to date: CHF 25,800
Environmental DNA (eDNA)
Study of Shark and Ray
Populations in South Africa
South Africa lies between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and is a hotspot when it comes to climate change. The study will analyze their influence on the occurrence of approximately 200 key shark and ray species found in these regions.
Traditional studies of shark and ray populations are complex and expensive. They include representative catches and recaptures, interviews with fishermen and fishmongers, underwater videos (BRUVS) and other methods. As previous studies have shown, living organisms also leave species-specific traces in the form of DNA. Studying populations using DNA samples (eDNA) obtained from the environment (in this case seawater) is a relatively inexpensive and now technically established alternative to qualitative research on the occurrence of certain species in a region. Nevertheless, it can provide little or no information about population sizes.
As part of a dissertation at Stellenbach University, this project will research the occurrence of various important shark and ray species along the South African coast using eDNA analyses. The following locations will be analyzed: False Bay, Gansbaai, De Hoop, Mossel Bay, Plettenberg Bay, Algoa Bay, Chintsa Beach, Umkomaas, Richards Bay, Sodwana Bay, Port Nolloth, Strandfontein, Saldanha Bay.
The goal is to test for the first time such broad-scale eDNA surveys of shark and ray populations in South Africa in order to establish a basis for future similar surveys that may reveal trends in species composition resulting from climate change.
The project was initiated at the end of 2022, and was thus not funded in the year 2023.
Project Management: Kristina Loosen, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Expenditures 2024: CHF 15,600
Investments to date: approx. CHF 23,900
Diurnal Behavior of
Sharks in South Africa
The marine reserve of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Sodwana Bay, South Africa, is a large protected area and home to several species of sharks and rays. It is ideal for studying the natural diurnal behavior of these species and how they are impacted by ecotourism. There is both a highly frequented area as well as a remote area close to the Mozambique border that is almost untouched. The analysis of animals found in both regions should reveal differences in diurnal behavior.
Diurnal activities as well as species composition are monitored using remote underwater videos (BRUVs). Similar to BRUVs, but only qualitative, environmental DNA (eDNA) is used to detect the presence (or less likely the absence) of species in a given area. Specialized eDNA analyses are being developed to find species that - for whatever reason - cannot be detected with BRUVs, and vice versa. As part of his dissertation, Steve is investigating these activities and the species composition of sharks and rays in the area.
Unfortunately, the 2023 survey season was characterized by bad weather so that not all planned BRUVs could be used. Nevertheless, 365 BRUVs were successfully deployed by the end of 2024 and these recorded 15 shark and 14 ray species at an overall detection rate of 70%.
Research outside of well-functioning urban infrastructures is often subjected to setbacks due to external factors. For example, in 2024, a prolonged power outage in 2024 – not uncommon in South Africa – led to the failure of a refrigerator and consequently the loss of important eDNA samples. Thankfully, the loss was since replaced with new samples.
Project Management: Steve Gerber, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
Expenditures 2024: CHF 8,000
Investments to date: CHF 14,000
New Methods for Managing Blue Sharks
in the North Atlantic
Blue sharks (Prionace glauca) are the most frequently caught shark species in the world. According to recent estimates, around 10 million specimens are caught each year. The species is classified as “near threatened” globally (IUCN Red List Near Threatened), but in the North Atlantic it is considered “endangered” as populations have declined by 54% over the last three generations. These figures are consistent with an assessment for the Mediterranean region, which concluded that the species is “critically endangered” there due to population declines of more than 90 %. Blue sharks are subject to management by regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) as they are associated with deep-sea tuna and swordfish fisheries.
A recent study identified genetic differences between the northern (Mediterranean and North Atlantic) and southern hemispheres (Southeast Atlantic, Indian Ocean and Southwest Pacific). It is crucial to understand the genetic connectivity between oceanic regions in order to assess and effectively manage blue shark populations. The project will thus conduct a genomic analysis of blue sharks in six new regions to complement existing literature as follows: (1) NW Indian Ocean (Oman), (2) NE Atlantic (England), (3) NW Atlantic (USA and Canada), (4) SW Atlantic (Argentina and Uruguay), (5) SE Pacific (Ecuador) and (6) NW Pacific (Taiwan).
Initial results of the genetic analyses performed on more than 1,000 tissue samples of blue sharks collected worldwide appear to show that no local differences exist between blue shark populations across ocean basins. Another explanation for a globally homogeneous population, according to DNA analyses, could be that a separation occurred only a short time ago, making it undetectable with the methods used.
Short-Term Projects
New Project 2024: Smooth Hammerhead Sharks in the Galapagos
The project aims at determining whether the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) provides a critical habitat for the recently rediscovered smooth hammerhead shark (Sphyrna zygaena). Listed as endangered on the Red List of the IUCN, this species has not been sighted off the Galapagos Islands for a very long time except for several juveniles recently discovered there.
Through a combination of surveys, tracking and genetic analyses, the research team’s goal is to find out whether these smooth hammerhead sharks belong to a genetically distinct population compared to other Pacific populations and whether they use the GMR as a nursery and breeding ground. The results should help strengthen the protection of potential nurseries and improve enforcing the ban on longline fishing.
The project is organized by the Swiss Friends of the Galápagos Islands Association. The Shark Foundation will support the project with a contribution of CHF 5,000 annually over a three-year period. Supervising the project are Dr. Alex Hearn from Ecuador and Dr. Chris Rohner (Marine Megafauna Foundation) from Switzerland.
Project Management: Maria Antonia Izurieta, Ecuador
Expenditures over a 3-year period (2024-2026): CHF 15,000
Investments to date 2024: CHF 5,000
New Project 2024: Male Tiger Sharks in Australia
Together with the great white sharks, tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) are important apex predators (i.e. predators with enemies) along the East coast of Australia off New South Wales and Queensland. Unfortunately, most of the tiger sharks studied are female. The project thus focuses on male representatives of the species in the hope of answering the following questions:
Project Management: Alexandra Ikpe, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
Expenditures 2024: CHF 5,500
New Project 2024: Sexual Maturity in Galapagos Bullhead Sharks
According to the IUCN Red List, Galapagos bullhead sharks are classified as not endangered (LC, Least Concern), despite the fact that very little is known about their biology. The age at which these sharks reach sexual maturity is particularly important for the survival of a population. Under the direction of veterinarian Sofia Patricia León Molina, the project goal is to determine the sexual maturity of Galapagos bullhead sharks. Using gentle methods such as the examination of sex hormones, mating scars, ultrasound analyses and measurements of various morphometric values, parameters will be established that can be used to easily determine sexual maturity in males and females. The data collected will be used to reassess the IUCN status and could potentially also be applied to closely related wild populations.
Project Management: Sofía Patricia León Molina, Ecuador
Expenditures 2024: CHF 7,400
New Project 2024: Electrosensitivity of Sharks
Sharks possess highly sensitive electroreceptors called the ampullae of Lorenzini. Electrical impulses are thus often used to deter sharks or reduce shark bycatch. Strong electrical pulses should overstimulate the electroreceptors and thereby scare the sharks away. The disadvantage of this method is that it is only effective at a relatively short distance of about 1.5 meters.
Most testing of these methods was conducted in open water under difficult-to-reproduce conditions and with relatively few interactions. The most common approach was a simple test and then observing whether deterrence succeeds or not. Very few scientific studies investigate the actual electrophysiological responses of different shark species to specific current frequencies and pulses.
The project focus is on studying the reactions of different shark species to approximately 50 to 60 different and specifically modulated electrical impulses under strictly controlled conditions in aquariums. The experiments will be conducted in the USA and Australia with various local shark species.
The project goal is to find the optimal electrical impulses that will keep as many different shark species as possible away from longlines or fishing nets. An additional application is to deter sharks from nets that are meant to protect bathing beaches frequented by divers, swimmers and surfers. Many sharks get entangled and die in these nets.Shark Sanctuary and Nurseries in St. Maarten, Dutch Caribbean
The establishment of St. Maarten as a shark nursery is an integral part of the work carried out by the Nature Foundation St. Maarten to reintroduce both legislation concerning the local marine sanctuary as well as the shark fishing ban. The shark fishing ban (Decree Temporary Fishing Ban Cartilaginous Fish) with a ten-year term was introduced in 2011 by a ministerial decree and expired in 2021. Currently, sharks and other cartilaginous fish are not well protected in the region – a legal loophole that makes the large population of Caribbean reef sharks, tiger sharks and nurse sharks vulnerable to fishing activities.
This research project is one aspect of the Marine Legislation Project aimed at closing legal gaps in the protection of sharks around the island.
Project Management: Estela Grau, Foundation for the Management & Conservation of Nature, St. Maarten
Expenditures 2024: CHF -0-
Investments to date: CHF 8,900
Artisanal Fisheries in Tamil Nadu, India
When assessing the threat to shark and ray populations around the world, the focus is usually on the huge demand from the Southeast Asian fin markets. However, both shark specialists at the IUCN and the FAO have recently discovered that local and global markets for other shark products, such as meat, skin or squalene are on the increase and could endanger shark populations.
India is one of the largest global shark fishing nations. The southeastern state of Tamil Nadu in particular has the second-highest catch numbers of sharks and rays in India next to Puducherry. The project will thus examine shark catches and especially the supply chains of shark products in ports of Chennai City. Interviews with fishermen, traders and buyers of end products will be carried out, as well as direct examinations of catches on boats and markets.
The project goal is to first collect exemplary data on landed sharks and rays and associated supply chains in India. The resulting data and the sustainability of fishing and trade can then be discussed with local politicians and the fishing industry.
The project is still delayed because Shruthi is continuing work on a short-term project that she received from the IUCN.
Project Management: Shruthi Kottillil, Tamil Nadu, India
Expenditures 2024: CHF -0-
Blackmouth Catsharks in Underwater Canyon in the Mediterranean Sea
Shark populations in the Mediterranean Sea have declined dramatically over the last 20 years due to overfishing and bycatch, and many species are endangered. The identification and appropriate protection of so-called "essential" habitats is one way of protecting and conserving marine biodiversity. In these areas, marine creatures can breed, feed and spend protected adolescence time up until adulthood. While these habitats are known to be frequented by some large shark species such as hammerheads, bull sharks, lemon sharks or white and mako sharks, little is known about such habitats for deepwater sharks.
Blackmouth catsharks (Galeus melastomus) are egg-laying deep-sea sharks that are widespread in the Mediterranean and occur at depths of about 300 to 800 m on the slopes of the continental shelf. Often found in bycatches, deep-sea sharks are generally highly endangered by encounters with trawls and bottom trawls. On the other hand, blackmouth catsharks can counteract the fishing pressure because they reach sexual maturity at a very early age compared to other sharks, and this in turn results in a higher reproduction rate.
In the Gulf of Lion, west of Toulon, a highly increased number of blackmouth catsharks was found in the bycatch compared to other regions, suggesting that the area is an “essential” habitat for this species. The project thus aims at physically examining this region in more detail, analyzing the mortality rate of the sharks on board and learning more about their population structure. As the Mediterranean is considered to be one of the most polluted seas, the stomach contents of the sharks caught will be examined for microplastics and potentially harmful plastic additives.
As a rule, the Foundation does not support research on shark species that are not considered endangered. This project was nevertheless approved since it may provide interesting information about the amount of microplastics and potentially toxic plastic additives found at greater depths in the Mediterranean.
The project team must adhere to the regulations and limits for fishing in the region. Data can thus only be collected from June through November. The next data collection and tagging is scheduled for June to November 2024.
Project Management: Dr. Ignasi Nuez, Submon/University of Barcelona, Spain
Expenditures 2024: CHF -0-
Investments to date: approx. CHF 5,100
Media/Public Relations
The Shark Foundation and Shark Info answered questions, gave interviews, edited articles in various media, and provided expertise and tips on a wide variety of themes in connection with sharks and shark protection.
Web-Sites
In 2024 the German pages (hai.swiss) were viewed by about 16% more visitors than in 2023. A total of 358'930 visitors viewed 2,939,480 pages, corresponding to an average number of 13 pages per visitor. Most visitors were from Germany, USA, Canada, Singapore, Ireland, China, Switzerland and Austria.
Numbers for the English pages (shark.swiss) have almost doubled again compared to 2022 and 2023, amounting to 414,250 visitors who looked at 2,224,335 pages, or approximately 11 pages per visitor. They seem to spend more time informing themselves on our new pages, viewing an average of 12 pages per session.
When accessing the German pages, mobile devices accounted for the largest share of 60-70%, while on the English pages, 44% were mobile devices and 40% of visitors used Chrome.
Shark Foundation Financial Policy
The Shark Foundation was established on August 29, 1997. As an internationally active foundation, it is subject to the supervision of the Federal Department of Home Affairs / Foundation Supervision, Bern, and can accept tax-deductible donations. Once a year it submits its annual report and financial statements to the supervisory authority for approval.
All Foundation activities are financed through donations, lectures, or the sale of products such as shark sponsorships or soft plush toy sharks. The Board of Trustees works on a voluntary basis and receives neither meeting attendance fees nor a salary. The Foundation operates a Shark Online Shop on its internet pages (e.g., selling T-shirts, soft plush toy sharks, fossilized shark teeth and shark sponsorships). Sales proceeds flow directly back into the Foundation's account. A mailing with a donation request and a payment slip is usually sent once a year to all interested parties.
At the first meeting of each respective year, the Board of Trustees of the Shark Foundation decides on the use of the profit carried forward and the money stemming from previous year’s donations. To date, no reserves were set aside, instead, all funds were released for ongoing projects, investments and administrative expenses.
Annual auditing of the Foundation’s accounts is performed by the auditing company Revisal (Gossau, Switzerland).
Foundation
EEA Conference
2023 Brighton, England
From October 18 - 20, 2023, the Conference of the European Elasmobranch Association (EEA) was held in Brighton, England. As always, the conference was very successful in terms of science and networking. Dr. Alexander Godknecht represented Switzerland’s Shark Foundation at the conference and at various committee meetings.
Publications
Shark Exhibit
The exhibit is in storage and we continue to look for new exhibit locations.
Total Investments to date: approx. 275,000 CHF
Population Genomics of
Large Shark Species
The project, which is led by the laboratory under the direction of Prof. Mahmood Shivji, includes conducting molecular genetic analyses of various large deep-sea sharks such as great hammerheads, makos, white sharks, silky sharks, sixgill sharks and oceanic whitetip sharks. The analyses will be used to investigate global genetic links between populations of especially large deepwater sharks and other endangered shark species using molecular biology.
Genetic connections provide information on whether individual populations are isolated or if they mix with other populations, enabling them to compensate any losses through the integration of other species. Prof. Shivji's team published a scientific paper on the population dynamics of hammerhead sharks and makos in 2023/24. Both populations show a historic decline. Already heavily overfished, great hammerhead sharks suffer greatly from inbreeding since practically no genetic exchange occurs between the populations.
Project Management: Prof. Mahmood Shivji, Nova Southeastern University, FL, USA
Expenditures: 2023 11,700 CHF
Investments to date: approx. 80,800 CHF
Global Analysis of Large
Shark Species Migrations
Many shark species are undergoing massive decline worldwide. The main cause is that fisheries are being increasingly pressured to fulfill the high demand for shark meat, especially their fins. As top hunters large sharks grow slowly and thus not only take longer to become sexually mature but also have fewer young, making them especially vulnerable to overfishing.
Oceanic sharks are frequently found in the same regions where international fishing fleets are active. Analyzing their migratory routes is thus particularly important. In 2023 an analysis of silky shark migrations off the East Coast of the United States was made in which the organization that evaluates the satellite data was partially financed by the Foundation.
Project Management: Prof. Mahmood Shivji, Nova Southeastern University, FL, USA
Expenditures: 2023 7,800 CHF
Investments to date: approx. 56,200 CHF
Shark Nurseries
The shark „nursery“ project in Rookery Bay, 10,000 Islands, Florida, has been managed by Pat O’Donnell since 2000 in cooperation with the Mote Marine Lab. The region is frequented by sharks as a primary nursery (newborns) and secondary nursery (juvenile sharks one year and older). The study region includes Fakahatchee, Fake Union and Pumpkin Bay.
The marshlands, whose waters flow into these bays, were drained over 20 years ago for a land reclamation project which, however, failed. It was only a few years ago that the State of Florida decided to restore the original marshlands. Although this project has been severely delayed and to date has not been completed, results are slowly beginning to show. The amount of fresh water that was previously diverted into the sea through canals in order to drain the swamp is now decreasing. The goal of this research is to determine how any salinity change in these nursery areas affects juvenile sharks.
The Foundation continues to invest in this project whenever required.
Project Management: Pat O'Donnel, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, FL, USA
Expenditures: 2023 -0- CHF
Investments to date: approx. 61,500 CHF
Fiji Shark Sanctuary
The Fiji Shark Conservation Park project is now self-sustaining. If necessary the Foundation will, however, provide financial assistance. In 2005, the Foundation financed the boat "Reef Warden" which was used to monitor the reef and was able to drive out illegal fishermen. At the end of 2013 Mike Neumann requested further investments in the Fiji Shark Count Project whose aim was to inventory all sharks in the region retroactive to the year 2012.
The Fiji Shark Count was co-financed by the Foundation in 2013/14. In 2015 Christine Ward-Paige from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada, evaluated the data collected during the Fiji Shark Count.
Results show that the biodiversity and number of species, not only of sharks, have increased massively through the establishment of the conservation park. The shark sanctuary not only serves as a nature reserve, but also allows researchers easy access to specific species such as bull sharks for respective shark research projects.
The Foundation continues to invest in this project whenever necessary.
Project Management: Mike Neumann, Fiji
Expenditures: 2023 -0- CHF
Investments to date: approx. 41,800 CHF
Migration of Large Coastal Sharks
in Jupiter, FL, and the Bahamas
Bull Shark Migrations Jupiter/Bimini/Bahamas
This project studies the movements of large shark species such as hammerheads, tiger sharks, lemon sharks as well as bull sharks in the region. In 2023, the project focused primarily on bull and lemon sharks, since changes in authorization procedures made it impossible to research great hammerhead sharks. It remains to be seen if and when the project with hammerhead sharks can continue, otherwise the project will be closed.
Project Management: Matthew J. Smukall, Bimini Biological Field Station Foundation, Bahamas
Expenditures: 2020 - 2021/22: 18,700 CHF
< em>Investments to date: approx. 86,200 CHF
Whale Sharks
In 2023 the Marine Megafauna (MMF) Team, headed by Dr. Simon Pierce and Dr. Chris Rohner, continued their research work on whale sharks.
Mozambique:
Madagascar:
Tanzania / Mafia Island:
Galapagos:
In 2023 the team published a scientific article on underwater ultrasound surveys of whale sharks in the Galapagos.
Project Management: Dr. Simon Pierce, Dr. Chris Rohner, Marine Megafauna Foundation, Mozambique
Expenditures 2023: approx. 9,400 CHF.
Investments to date: approx. 139,200 CHF
Cape Verde Shark Conservation Project
West Africa’s Cape Verde is an archipelago consisting of ten volcanic islands. It is home to more than 60 species of sharks and rays, including whale sharks, tiger sharks and manta rays. These species have been exploited uncontrollably in West Africa for many years. However, the Cape Verde Islands – especially Brava and Maio – are exceptional in that they are the only regions where sharks and rays are not intensively fished. This makes them a hotspot for these species and one of their last refuges in the northeastern Atlantic.
After the various coronavirus lockdowns in 2020/21, the project was slowly resumed at the end of 2021. Since then various activities in the areas of public relations, the protection of shark prey fish and the fight against illegal industrial and sport fishing are beginning to bear fruit.
Whether or not any further investments will be made in 2024 will be decided at the next meeting of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Project Management: Fauna & Flora International
Expenditures 2022: -0- CHF
Investments to date: approx. 20,000 CHF
Indigenous Fisheries in
Angola
A critical decline in sharks is being observed in West Africa. The main cause is the ever-increasing demand for shark fins in the Asian region. Great hammerheads, lemon sharks and bull sharks are experiencing an especially threatening reduction, but many other shark species are also affected.
Angola is located in the northern part of the so-called Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME). The BCLME is an extremely proliferous marine region because the confluence of the Benguela and Angola currents creates eddies that transport nutrient-rich deep water to the surface.
The demand for shark fins has led to a massive increase in local coastal fishing in Angola, especially in the past 10 years (source FAO, United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization). No accurate data on targeted shark fishing is currently available and will be collected in this project.
The project is progressing well. A second interim report including data from various ports in Angola is available. The project has been extended as it represents an important source of information on shark species and their local catch numbers in West Africa, information which has so far been very poorly documented.
In 2021 Ana Lucia Furtado Soares was accepted into the IUCN Shark Specialist Group and will continue her dissertation work on Angola at the Ludwig Maximilian University (Munich, Germany).
Project Management: Ana Lucia Furtado Soares, Ludwig Maximilian Universität, Deutschland
Expenditures 2017-2019 (Preliminary 3-year period): approx. CHF 9,500
Expenditures 2023: 5,000 CHF
Investments to date: approx. 25,800 CHF
Artisanal Fisheries in Ghana
Ghana is one of the most important shark and ray fishing nations in West Africa. Their fisheries are also one of the biggest employers in the coastal regions, securing the livelihood and income for many of the poorest communities on the Ghanaian coast.
The project aims at collecting basic critical information on indigenous fisheries in Ghana, focusing on ecological, cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of such fisheries in western Ghana. Special, and for a region typical dangers for sharks are being specifically analyzed. Based on this data (which so far has been nonexistent), a plan to develop a national strategy will be established in order to help sustainably protect and manage Ghana’s shark and ray populations.
Project results were published in 2022 in three scientific journals.
The project was supposed to end in 2022 but was extended for one year until 2023, based on a request from, and good arguments submitted by the Project Manager.
Project Management: Seidu Issah, AquaLife Conservancy, Ghana
Expenditures 2023: 8,000 CHF
Investments to date: approx. 24,450 CHF
Social Behavior of Bull Sharks
in Fiji
Bull shark populations in Fiji have been studied extensively and like all bull sharks their status on the Red List of the IUCN is “almost threatened.” However, the bull sharks living in the waters around Fiji are considered more endangered because they do not mix with the nearest bull shark populations due to the latter’s distance from Fiji. This means their losses cannot be compensated.
Although we know a great deal about bull sharks, very little is known about their social behavior. We do know that sharks often develop social structures, form groups and cliques, learn from others, and that they differ in individual behavior.
Managing this project is Natasha Dominique Marosi. In her dissertation she will examine in detail the social behavior of bull sharks in Fiji with the aim of answering the following questions:
Critical areas for sharks in Greece
Sharks are threatened worldwide, but for years now severe overfishing has caused an especially dramatic reduction of their numbers in the Mediterranean Sea. The waters around Greece are known for their rich diversity of shark and ray species (67 species), thus rendering them important for maintaining biodiversity. The western region of the Mediterranean Sea is relatively well researched when it comes to sharks and rays as opposed to the eastern part. That makes the waters around Greece particularly interesting.
The project will include checking the Ambracian Gulf for possible shark nursery grounds. This is a partially enclosed shallow water area in the Ionian Sea and is home to many large marine species such as dolphins, sea turtles and at least six species of rays. However, nothing is known about any shark species found there.
The project team also plans to study shark populations, especially the endangered but not protected sandbar sharks (Charcharhinus plumbeus) in the Mediterranean Sea. With the help of bycatch analyses, tagging and so-called citizen science (e.g. the analysis of private shark photos posted online on social media), the team will try to establish a long-term monitoring system of shark populations there.
Project Management: Ioannis Giovos, iSea, Griechenland
Expenditures 2023: 8,000 CHF
Investments to date 21,100 CHF
Short-Term Projects
New Project 2023: Shark Sanctuary and Nurseries in St. Maarten, Dutch Caribbean
The establishment of St. Maarten as a shark nursery is an integral part of the work carried out by the Nature Foundation St. Maarten to reintroduce both legislation concerning the local marine sanctuary as well as the shark fishing ban. The shark fishing ban (Decree Temporary Fishing Ban Cartilaginous Fish) with a ten-year term was introduced in 2011 by a Ministerial Decree and expired in 2021. Currently, sharks and other cartilaginous fish are not well protected in the region. This legal loophole makes the large population of Caribbean reef sharks, tiger sharks and nurse sharks vulnerable to fishing activities.
The research project is one aspect of the Marine Legislation Project. Its aim is to close legal gaps in the protection of sharks on the island.
Project Management: Estela Grau, Foundation for the Management & Conservation of Nature, St. Maarten
Expenditures 2023: 8,900 CHF
New Project 2023: New Methods for Managing Blue Sharks in the North Atlantic
Blue sharks (Prionace glauca) are the most frequently caught shark species in the world. According to recent estimates, around 10 million specimens are caught each year. The species is classified as “near threatened” globally (IUCN Red List Near Threatened), but in the North Atlantic it is considered “endangered” as populations have declined by 54% over the last three generations. These figures are consistent with an assessment for the Mediterranean region, which concluded that the species is “critically endangered” there due to population declines of more than 90 %. Blue sharks are subject to management by regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) as they are associated with deep-sea tuna and swordfish fisheries.
A recent study identified genetic differences between the northern (Mediterranean and North Atlantic) and southern hemispheres (Southeast Atlantic, Indian Ocean and Southwest Pacific). It is crucial to understand the genetic connectivity between oceanic regions in order to assess and effectively manage blue shark populations. The project will thus conduct a genomic analysis of blue sharks in six new regions to complement existing literature as follows: (1) NW Indian Ocean (Oman), (2) NE Atlantic (England), (3) NW Atlantic (USA and Canada), (4) SW Atlantic (Argentina and Uruguay), (5) SE Pacific (Ecuador) and (6) NW Pacific (Taiwan).
Project Management: Dr. Gonzalo Araujo, Marine Research And Conservation Foundation, England
Expenditures 2023: 7,500 CHF
New Project 2023: Diurnal Behavior of Sharks in South Africa
The marine reserve of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Sodwana Bay, South Africa, is a large protected area and home to several species of sharks and rays. It is ideal for studying the natural diurnal behavior of these species and how they are impacted by ecotourism. There is both a highly frequented area as well as a remote area close to the Mozambique border that is almost untouched. The analysis of animals found in both regions should reveal differences in diurnal behavior.
Diurnal activities as well as species composition are monitored using remote underwater videos (BRUVs). Similar to BRUVs, but only qualitative, environmental DNA (eDNA) is used to detect the presence (or less likely the absence) of species in a given area. Specialized eDNA analyses are being developed to find species that - for whatever reason - cannot be detected with BRUVs, and vice versa. As part of his dissertation, Steve is investigating these activities and the species composition of sharks and rays in the area.
Unfortunately, the 2023 survey season was characterized by bad weather so that not all planned BRUVs could be used. Nevertheless, 154 BRUVs were successfully deployed by the end of 2023 and these recorded 12 shark and 11 ray species at an overall detection rate of 67%.
Project Management: Steve Gerber, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
Expenditures 2023: 6,000 CHF
Indigenous Fisheries in Tamil Nadu, India
When assessing the threat to shark and ray populations around the world, the focus is usually on the huge demand from the Southeast Asian fin markets. On the other hand, shark specialists both at the IUCN and the FAO have recently discovered that local and global markets for other shark products such as meat, skin or squalene are increasingly emerging and could endanger shark populations.
India is one of the largest global shark fishing nations. The southeastern state of Tamil Nadu in particular has the second-highest catch numbers of sharks and rays in India next to Puducherry. The project will examine shark catches and especially supply chains of shark products in ports in the city of Chennai. Interviews with fishermen, traders and buyers of end products will be used as well as direct examinations of catches on boats and markets.
The aim of the project is to collect for the first time exemplary data on landed sharks and rays and the associated supply chains in India. The resulting data and the sustainability of fishing and trade should then be discussed with local politicians and the fishing industry.
The project has been delayed because Shruthi received a short-term project from the IUCN.
Project Management: Shruthi Kottillil, Tamil Nadu, India
Expenditures 2023: -0- CHF
Blackmouth Catsharks in Underwater Canyon in the Mediterranean Sea
Shark populations in the Mediterranean Sea have declined dramatically over the last 20 years due to overfishing and bycatch, and many species are endangered. The identification and appropriate protection of so-called "essential" habitats is one way to protect and conserve marine biodiversity. In these areas, marine creatures can breed, feed and spend protected adolescence time up until adulthood. While these habitats are known for some large shark species such as hammerheads, bull sharks, lemon sharks or white and mako sharks, little is known about such habitats for deepwater sharks.
Blackmouth catsharks (Galeus melastomus) are egg-laying deep-sea sharks that are widespread in the Mediterranean and occur at depths of around 300 to 800 m on the slopes of the continental shelf. Often found in bycatches, deep-sea sharks are generally highly endangered by trawls and bottom trawls. On the other hand, blackmouth catsharks can counteract the fishing pressure because they reach sexual maturity at a very early age compared to other sharks, and this in turn results in a higher reproduction rate.
In the Gulf of Lion, west of Toulon, a highly increased number of blackmouth catsharks were found in the bycatch compared to other regions, suggesting that the area is an “essential” habitat for this species. The aim of the project is thus to examine this region in more detail physically, to analyze the mortality rate of the sharks on board and to learn more about their population structure. As the Mediterranean is considered to be one of the most polluted seas, the stomach contents of the sharks caught will be examined for microplastics and potentially harmful plastic additives.
As a rule, the Foundation does not support research on shark species that are not considered endangered. This project was nevertheless approved since it may provide interesting information about the amount of microplastics and potentially toxic plastic additives found at greater depths in the Mediterranean.
The project team must adhere to the regulations and limits for fishing in the region, so data can only be collected from June to November. The next data collection and tagging is scheduled for June - November 2024.
Project Management: Dr. Ignasi Nuez, Submon/University of Barcelona, Spain
Expenditures 2023: -0- CHF
Environmental DNA (eDNA) Study on Shark and Ray Populations in South Africa
South Africa is located between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and is a hotspot when it comes to climate change. The study will investigate the influence of climate change on the occurrence of key species of approximately 200 shark and ray species found in this region.
Traditional surveys of shark and ray populations have shown to be complex and expensive. They include representative catches and recaptures, interviews with fishermen and fish traders, underwater videos (BRUVS, i.e. Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations) and other methods. As previous studies have shown, living organisms also leave species-specific traces in the form of DNA. Studying populations using DNA samples (eDNA) extracted from the environment (in this case seawater) is a relatively inexpensive and now technically established alternative for qualitative studies on the occurrence of specific species in a region. Still, it reveals nothing or very little about population sizes.
This project - part of a dissertation at Stellenbosch University - will investigate the occurrence of several important shark and ray species along the South African coast using eDNA analysis. The following locations will be scrutinized: False Bay, Gansbaai, De Hoop, Mossel Bay, Plettenberg Bay, Algoa Bay, Chintsa, Umkomaas, Richards Bay, Sodwana Bay, Port Nolloth, Strandfontein, Saldanha Bay.
The goal is to test, for the first time, such broad-scale eDNA surveys of shark and ray populations in South Africa in order to establish a basis for future similar surveys that may reveal trends in species composition caused by climate change.
The project was initiated at the end of 2022, thus no funding was given in the year 2023.
Project Management: Kristina Loosen, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Expenditures 2023: -0- CHF
Investments to date: approx. 8,300 CHF
Successfully completed: Catch Analyses of Bluntnose Sixgill Sharks in the Mediterranean
Although according to the IUCN Red List, bluntnose sixgill sharks are not considered endangered in the Mediterranean, we must point out that fisheries there are poorly documented and controlled. Sixgill sharks are also frequently found in the bycatch of deep-sea fisheries (down to 2,000 meters). Considering the declining trends of most other shark populations in the Mediterranean (which have shrunk to 10-20% of their former size) this positive assessment seems rather unlikely and outdated.
This study included interviews and observations designed to identify trends in sixgill shark landings throughout the Mediterranean. It covered 11 countries: Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Montenegro, Albania, Cyprus and Israel. Conducted in cooperation with local researchers and volunteers from each country, the project was coordinated by Ignazio Nuez from the EEA member organization in Spain (Submon). Not only was it of great interest for shark conservationists, but it also aimed at promoting cooperation among the various EEA members in the Mediterranean region, especially between the new EEA members Greece and Israel.
The project was completed/is close to completion and an initial presentation of preliminary data was presented at the IUCN Workshop in Palma de Mallorca in November 2019. A final report on project results was published at the beginning of 2023.
Project Management: Ignasi Nuez, Msc, Submon, Spain
Expenditures 2023: -0- CHF
Investments to date: 9,650 CHF
Successfully completed: Shark and Ray Populations around Fregate Island, Seychelles
Little is known about the shark and ray populations of Fregate Island located in the Seychelles archipelago. In a biodiversity study conducted between 2019 and 2021, the populations there were described as "incidental" and were no longer considered in statistical analyses. This despite the fact that photographs taken during the studies confirm the presence of various species that, like the guitar ray, are considered critically endangered.
The aim of the survey was to establish an effective inventory of the shark and ray species inhabiting the waters around Fregate Island. For this purpose, so-called BRUVs were used (Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems or independent, baited underwater video stations). They were placed around Fregate Island at different times of the year at 22 locations for one hour each, 11 in shallow water, 11 in greater depths.
The data collection was successful and Maria is now working on the completion of her dissertation and on a publication.
Project Management: Masha Lourie, Lisbon University, Portugal
Expenditures 2023: -0- CHF
Investments to date: 2,700 CHF
Media/Public Relations
The Foundation and Shark Info answered questions, gave interviews, edited articles in various media, and provided expertise and tips on a wide variety of themes in connection with sharks and shark protection.
Web Server
The German pages (hai.swiss) were viewed by about 30% more visitors in 2023 compared to 2022, with a total of 306,700 visitors viewing 3,424,100 pages. This corresponds to an average number of 11 pages per visitor. Most visitors came from Germany, Singapore(?), the USA, Switzerland and Austria.
Figures for the English pages (shark.swiss) have doubled compared to 2022 and amount to 242,300 visitors who viewed 2,614,600 pages, i.e. also approx. 11 pages per visit.
Visitors seem to be spending more time on our new pages. They look at an average of 10 to 25 pages. Mobile devices accounted for the largest share on both sites amounting to 60 to 70%.
Shark Foundation Financial Policy
The Shark Foundation was established on August 29, 1997. As an internationally active foundation, it is subject to the supervision of the Federal Department of Home Affairs / Foundation Supervision, in Bern, Switzerland, and can accept tax-deductible donations. Once a year it submits its annual report and financial statements to the supervisory authority for approval.
The Foundation finances all its activities through donations, lectures and the sale of products such as shark sponsorships or soft toy sharks. The Board of Trustees works on a voluntary basis and receives neither meeting attendance fees nor a salary. The Foundation runs a Shark Online Shop on its internet pages (selling T-shirts, soft toy sharks, fossilized shark teeth and shark adoptions). Proceeds from sales flow directly back into the Foundation's account. As a rule, a mailing with a donation request and payment slip goes out once a year to all interested parties.
At the first meeting of each respective year, the Shark Foundation's Board of Trustees decides on the use of the profit carried forward and the money stemming from the previous year's donations. To date, no reserves were set aside, instead all funds were released for ongoing projects, investments and administrative expenses.
The Foundation’s accounts are audited annually by the auditing company Revisal (Gossau, Switzerland).
