Trainees and trainers of the Shark and Ray workshop.
[25 October 2024: Suva, Fiji]: A diverse group of shark and ray enthusiasts gathered last week at the University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Statham Campus in Suva, Fiji, for a three-day workshop on Shark & Ray Identification and Capacity Building. Organized by the USP component of the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) programme, the event attracted marine science students, staff from Fiji’s Ministry of Fisheries, tourism operators, and conservation stakeholders. The workshop aimed to enhance local research capacity and raise awareness of the conservation challenges these species face.
Sharks and rays are among the most threatened marine species, facing adverse impacts from overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change. Their populations have significantly declined, and 391 species—32.6% of all sharks and rays—are now at risk of extinction.
If sharks and rays are driven to extinction, their absence can cause imbalances in marine ecosystems, leading to the overpopulation of certain species and the decline of others, including commercially important fish species. This disruption can affect the availability of fish, a key source of protein for many coastal communities, thus threatening food security.
Led by Dr. Kerstin Glaus from USP, and Dr. Sharon Appleyard and Ms. Helen O’Neill from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the workshop offered practical training in shark and ray identification, biology, taxonomy, and genetics. It also fostered collaboration among stakeholders and helped equip participants with the latest techniques for studying these vulnerable species.
Ministry of Fisheries researcher Unaisi Nalasi remarked, “This workshop marks the beginning of something new. It has equipped us with knowledge and skills that we can apply to our research. From collecting data and basic genetic extraction to gathering accurate identification information, we are now better prepared to raise awareness about our vulnerable marine species.”
Louisa Williams, a third-year marine science student at USP, echoed these sentiments. “The workshop was incredibly interesting, especially learning how to identify sharks, collect data, and use shark DNA to determine species. I gained practical skills that I can now apply in my studies and future research.”
Similarly, fellow participant Nunia Togatea found the workshop both informative and inspiring. “Sharks and rays are often overlooked as research topics, but this workshop opened my eyes to their importance. Learning how to classify and identify these species sparked my interest in exploring a career path in this field,” she said.
The workshop’s three-day agenda included an introduction to shark and ray biology, taxonomy, and morphometric techniques, followed by hands-on practice with DNA extraction and species identification using nucleotide sequences and reference databases. Participants also explored case studies from PEUMP’s market surveys and genetic studies, and were introduced to environmental DNA (eDNA) methodologies.
This workshop marks a significant step in building the capacity of local stakeholders to address the decline in shark and ray populations. By leveraging PEUMP’s foundational work, participants are now better equipped to contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of these critical marine species.
USP is one of four key implementing partners of the EUR 45million PEUMP Programme, which aims to promote sustainable management and sound ocean governance for food security and economic growth while addressing climate change resilience and conservation of marine biodiversity. It follows a comprehensive approach, integrating issues related to ocean fisheries, coastal fisheries, community development, marine conservation and capacity building under one single regional action. The PEUMP programme is funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden; and housed within the Institute of Marine Resources within the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS) of USP.
Media contact:
Lore Croker, USP Communications Officer, lore.croker@usp.ac.fj
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