A Review of the Status of Sharks, Rays and Chimaeras of Panama to Guide Research and Conservation

Abstract

Chondrichthyan fishes (sharks, rays and chimaeras) are a group of high conservation concern globally. Species are impacted by varying threats, although fishing pressure is the primary stressor causing population declines. Panama comprises both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines with a diversity of estuarine and marine habitats supporting small to large-scale fisheries. Understanding the status of chondrichthyans within this Central America seascape can help inform and drive conservation and research. This paper represents the first comprehensive review of the chondrichthyans of Panama and presents a summary of (1) species diversity and distribution; (2) habitat; (3) extinction risk; (4) drivers of extinction risk; and (5) policy tools. The study also discusses current research and critical knowledge gaps and outlines recommendations for research, education and management. Panama supports 112 species of chondrichthyan, the majority of which are associated with coastal and shelf environments. Almost half (47.3%) are at risk of extinction globally, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Many of the most frequently encountered species in fisheries are globally threatened, such as scalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini and silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis. This review found a general lack of species-specific fisheries data, limiting the assessment of local population trends. Further, although national, regional and international policy tools are in place, deficiencies in monitoring, enforcement and compliance are limiting their effectiveness. Policies should aim to improve data collection and compliance with current management tools while supporting research into life-history, critical habitats and the socioeconomic values of chondrichthyans. Addressing the research, education and management recommendations within this paper would improve the status of Panama's chondrichthyans and assist the country in meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including SDG 14, which calls to ‘conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development’.