Olfa Sehli
Elasmobranchs are essential to marine ecosystems, yet in Tunisia, little is known about their population status or the impacts of fishing activities. This knowledge gap has contributed to the near-extinction of species like G. altavela and A. bovinus. Both species, listed as critically endangered in the Mediterranean Sea, play crucial roles as apex predators, essential for maintaining the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Despite their ecological importance, they continue to be caught by Tunisian fishers, remaining understudied and vulnerable due to threats such as bycatch, habitat degradation, and unregulated fishing practices. Although these species are protected under international protocols like the Barcelona Convention, there are no national laws or systematic monitoring programs in place to safeguard them, leaving them exposed in areas where they are still landed and sold.
This project represents a crucial first step toward understanding the threats and population status of G. altavela and A. bovinus in Tunisian waters. It aims to support decision-making and establish a foundation for community-based conservation efforts involving fishermen and governmental authorities.
The project will address these critical gaps by initiating a detailed study of these species in Tunisia. The focus will be on monitoring their population status, identifying threats such as bycatch and habitat loss, and improving post-capture survival through awareness campaigns and training programs for fishermen. By engaging fishers and local communities, the project will foster community-based conservation while creating a scientific foundation for sustainable management practices.
Key activities include regular monitoring of fish landings in northern harbors, where these species are still occasionally brought in, and conducting interviews with fishermen to gather local ecological knowledge. Landed specimens will undergo detailed morphological and health assessments to determine their condition and identify threats. Tissue samples will also be collected for analysis in collaboration with research partners to identify stressors and inform conservation planning. The project will also map critical habitats and analyze population distributions and catch trends to provide actionable insights.
By generating this baseline data, the project will help fill critical knowledge gaps and lay the groundwork for conservation efforts. The findings will be shared with local stakeholders and international organizations, such as the IUCN Shark Specialist Group, to promote informed decision-making and enhance protection for G. altavela and A. bovinus. This work is a vital step toward ensuring the survival of these species and supporting the health of Tunisia’s marine ecosystems.