Why Protecting a Shark Nursery in the Patagonia Sea Is Crucial
Why Protecting a Shark Nursery in the Patagonia Sea Is Crucial
By Juan Martín Cuevas | September 16, 2017 08:15am ET
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A tope shark tagged by Juan Martín Cuevas is ready to be released after recovery in the water in Bahía San Blás MPA.
Credit: Gustavo Chiaramonte
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In the waters found off the southern part of the Buenos Aires province in Northern Patagonia may be one of the most popular shark-fishing spots in Argentina and possibly in all of South America.
Called Bahía San Blas, this spot is a baby-delivery room of sorts, serving as a major nursery for several shark species, including the tope shark (Galeorhinus galeus), or cazón.
And while this 888-square-mile (2,300 square kilometers) stretch of sea is considered a marine-protected area, its remoteness leads to weak law enforcement and a significant loss of sharks to recreational fishing. This lack of true protection is particularly harmful to the topes the focus of my conservation work.
Topes are medium in size and easy to handle, with a long, pointed and transparent snout. During the spring and summer, fishers gather these sharks by the thousands. Even so, few know that the species is endangered.
More:
https://www.livescience.com/60432-protecting-shark-nursery-patagonia-sea.html
Environment & Energy:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1127112822