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
