Sharks and rays are among the most severely impacted species within the context of the ocean’s accelerating ecological crisis. More than 35% of sharks and rays are now threatened with extinction, largely due to overfishing.

Many shark and ray species are particularly susceptible to overfishing because they often grow slowly, mature late, and produce few offspring. Populations of oceanic sharks and rays have undergone steep declines over the last three decades, while coral reef systems around the world have shown significant reductions in shark and ray abundances. These losses compromise ocean health, threaten food security, and impact the livelihoods and cultural heritage of coastal communities, who also need to be included in decision making, paying due attention to any unintended consequences for just and equitable solutions.