@article{568,
  keywords = {Conservation policy, Fishing community, Interviews, Management, Trade},
  author = {Divya Karnad and Dipani Sutaria and Rima Jabado},
  title = {Local drivers of declining shark fisheries in India},
  abstract = {This study evaluates local-scale drivers of shark harvests in India, one of the world’s largest shark fishing nations. Focusing on key harbours in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, which together contribute 54\% of India’s shark harvest, this study uses a semi-structured survey to examine the practices of shark fishers and traders, their knowledge of shark trade and policy, and perceptions of shark declines. Findings indicate that a domestic market for shark meat is presently the main local driver for harvests rather than the global trade in shark fins. Sharks are mostly non-target catch, landed whole, contributing to the protein needs of coastal communities. Consumer demand is the greatest for small-bodied and juvenile sharks. Perceived steep declines in shark numbers and sizes have had economic impacts on fishers and traders. The unregulated domestic market for shark meat is a key challenge requiring nuanced local approaches that diverge from global shark conservation priorities.},
  year = {2019},
  journal = {Ambio},
  month = {06/2019},
  issn = {1654-7209},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-019-01203-z},
  doi = {10.1007/s13280-019-01203-z},
  language = {en},
}