Led by WWF-NL

To enhance knowledge about shark and ray species present in the Wider Caribbean Region, and strengthen capacity and collaboration of Caribbean stakeholders in this field, via regional field research to address data gaps and promote data-sharing.

The specific objective of this work package in CAMAC1 was to create an inventory of knowledge about sharks and rays in the Wider Caribbean Region. It took the shape of an action plan written by Kingma, I., Walker, P. and Bervoets, T. consisting of two parts:

2.     Priority actions:

The experts brought together to produce this action plan identified 23 actions classified by priority and grouped into 3 areas of interest:

• New research efforts

• Research foundations

• Skills and capacity building

Each action is detailed in a fact sheet setting out all the key elements, such as the target species, the target habitats, the potential partners, the detailed budget and the human and material resources required.

This work package was designed to build upon the action plan from CAMAC Phase 1. During this phase, we will implement DNA analysis and Baited Remote Underwater Videos (BRUVs) while identifying priority species and conservation areas. Meanwhile, we'll focus on strengthening regional collaboration by establishing standardized monitoring protocols, data-sharing agreements, and a publicly accessible database to support long-term conservation efforts. Ultimately, our results will help develop science-based recommendations to mitigate over exploitation, bycatch, and habitat loss, contributing to the broader policy development in the Caribbean.

Protocol:

1. Enhance scientific knowledge about sharks and rays in the Caribbean through Collect and analyse existing and new data agreed by and shared with stakeholders: 

• Include a regional literature review of existing knowledge.
• Implement baseline monitoring using BRUVs to assess shark and ray distribution.
• Lead and coordinate research efforts, including DNA sampling from fisheries bycatch together with work package 1 and local ecological knowledge.
• Organize and lead training programs for local organisations on data collection methodologies for elasmobranch species.

2. Improve regional collaboration for conservation efforts, by :

• Facilitating data sharing among regional stakeholders through training and creating a publicly accessible database.
• Establishing a regional collaboration platform connecting marine scientists, MPA managers, fishers, and conservation and management authorities.

3.     Develop operational recommendations to mitigate bycatch and habitat loss in line with the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) for sharks, by:

• Strengthening partnerships with national and regional institutions for conservation policy development.
• Developing and presenting science-based recommendations for shark and ray bycatch mitigation to local and regional governing bodies.
• Supporting the implementation of the Regional Plan of Action for sharks across Caribbean territories.

Calendar to be updated periodically

• September 2025 - CAMAC’s kick-off meeting = quick baseline of research efforts and policy frameworks
• February 2026 - Starting up the WP5
• March 2026 - Community of Practice established with stakeholders
• March 2026 - Participation in the IUCN Important Shark and Ray Areas workshop

November 2026 - Attending the 79th annual meeting of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute

Dr. Mark E. Bond - Scientific officer 

camacwp85@gmail.com