Morpho: Baited Switch: Is global trade driving unsustainable fisheries?

Many wealthy countries can sustainably manage fisheries even in the face of increasing demand for marine derived products. Subsequent shortfalls in fisheries production are often offset by imports, typically from low-capacity countries which do not effectively manage their fisheries, raising the important question to what degree does trade drive unsustainable fishing? We will use recently compiled information from two global studies of shark and ray trade (the Global Shark Meat Project) and conservation status (the Global Shark Trends Project) to examine how trade dynamics drive fisheries and population status in this highly fished and traded group using an evidence based causal modelling approach. Outcomes from this research can be directly tied to priority interventions of partner NGOs through identifying high trade flows from unsustainable fisheries and supporting trade interventions with CITES by supporting new listings and strengthening implementation and compliance while also ensuring the livelihoods and nutritional security of global fishers. We have developed a diverse team of domain experts spanning fisheries, trade, conservation biology, and economics to help synthesize data outputs that can directly support partner organizations and governments and focus on trade and fisheries management interventions.