Sharks, rays and MPAs: a critical evaluation of current perspectives

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly advocated for the conservation and management of chondrichthyans (hereafter, “sharks”), however substantial uncertainty remains regarding which species can benefit from... [ view full abstract ]

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly advocated for the conservation and management of chondrichthyans (hereafter, “sharks”), however substantial uncertainty remains regarding which species can benefit from spatial protection. Meanwhile, international area-focused protection targets have spurred recent and rapid gains in the creation of large MPAs, many of which carry vague objectives set by a diverse group of stakeholders with potentially different notions of ‘success’. We conducted a global survey with a varied group of stakeholders (n = 53) to explore current views on the use of spatial protections for shark conservation and management. Specifically, we interviewed scientists, MPA managers, fisheries experts, conservation practitioners, advocates and policy experts to explore perceptions regarding: (1) the effectiveness of MPAs as a tool for shark conservation; (2) what factors influence the success of MPAs designated to protect sharks; and (3) the desired outcomes of these MPAs. Overall, spatial protections were perceived to be somewhat effective as a tool for shark conservation. While the social factors influencing success were emphasized over biophysical factors, biological outcomes were emphasised over social outcomes, suggesting a lack of understanding regarding what motivates people to support shark conservation. The relative emphasis placed on different success factors and outcomes also varied across stakeholder types and governance contexts in which participant experience was primarily based. By exploring the perspectives of a varied group of stakeholders, this study contributes to a better understanding of what may be driving MPA design, and whether this reflects current scientific understanding.