Why Sharks and Rays Matter to Marine Ecosystems
Sharks and rays are apex and mesopredators that keep reef and pelagic habitats in balance. Their varied feeding habits drive nutrient redistribution, reduce competition and help maintain biodiversity. When these species decline, the ripple effects extend to fish populations that local communities depend on for food and income. The urgency of protecting them is heightened by the fact that Indonesia hosts a substantial proportion of the world’s marine biodiversity—yet it also experiences the highest level of fishing intensity among the Indo‑Pacific.
Bangor University’s Three-Year Initiative
Bangor University, in partnership with Yayasan Kebersamaan Untuk Lautan (KUL) and the Center for Coastal & Marine Resources Studies at IPB University, has secured a three‑year grant from the Shark Conservation Fund. The project brings together scientists, policymakers and small‑scale fishers to design science‑based management interventions that reduce by‑catch without harming livelihoods. The priority areas cover key habitats for hammerheads, wedgefishes and mobula rays, species that are both ecologically essential and highly valued for their meat, fins and skin.
Integrating Community Knowledge with Science
Traditional knowledge from local fishing communities is a cornerstone of the project. Fishers who have spent decades navigating Indonesian waters provide practical insights into gear use, seasonal migration, and the economic importance of shark species. By integrating this knowledge with satellite telemetry data and population genetics studies, the research team can identify critical zones that merit protection or gear modification. Early pilot studies in Sumatra’s offshore shoals have already shown that community‑driven no‑gear‑protection zones can cut shark by‑catch by up to 30% while maintaining fishery yields.
Evidence-Based Management Solutions
Bangor University’s School of Environmental and Natural Sciences applies rigorous experimental designs to test different management scenarios. Methods include:
- Adaptive fishing quotas that shift among villages based on real‑time catch data.
- Selective net designs that allow small fishes to escape while capturing target rays.
- Spatial closures aligned with CITES listings for critically endangered species.
- Community enforcement workshops that teach monitoring and reporting techniques.
By evaluating outcomes in real time, the team can refine policies quickly, ensuring interventions remain effective and socially acceptable. This iterative approach mirrors successful models used in Australia’s Southern Ocean and the United States’ Pacific Islands.
Policy Alignment and Governance
One of the project’s strengths is its close alignment with Indonesia’s national legislation on marine protected areas and CITES regulations. The research outputs feed directly into policy briefs that recommend scaling successful pilots to a national level. If adopted, these strategies could reduce the hit rate on endangered sharks across Indonesia’s most heavily fished provinces, contributing to global recovery targets set by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Impacts Beyond Conservation
Strengthening shark and ray populations benefits coastal economies through regenerative marine ecosystems. Healthier reefs attract more fish, boosting catch quality for small‑scale fishers. Additionally, biodiversity hotspots can support eco‑tourism, providing alternative income streams. By safeguarding both ecological and economic aspects, the collaboration supports resilience against climate change and market fluctuations.
Getting Involved and Supporting the Mission
There are several ways industry professionals, researchers, and community members can contribute to this vital work:
- Partner with the research team to co‑design gear modification trials.
- Share data on fishing effort and by‑catch to enhance model accuracy.
- Advocate for the adoption of evidence‑based policies in local fisheries boards.
- Donate to the Shark Conservation Fund to expand outreach programmes.
Personal engagement can create tangible change. Even small contributions can accelerate the rollout of protective measures across Indonesia’s coastlines.
Future Directions and Long-Term Vision
While the initial phase focuses on hotspot provinces, long‑term plans aim to replicate models throughout Indonesia’s 9,000+ islands. Cross‑disciplinary workshops will continue to refine tools for monitoring population health, including environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling and drone‑based seabed mapping. The vision is a sustainable fishery that preserves critical shark and ray species while empowering local communities to thrive.
Are you interested in advancing marine conservation in the Indo‑Pacific? Submit your application today to join our next cohort of marine science interns.
Schedule a free consultation with our scientific advisory team to discuss potential collaborations.
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