August 21, 2019 — Longline fisheries around the world are significantly affecting migrating shark populations, according to an international study featuring a University of Queensland researcher.
The study found that approximately a quarter of the studied sharks’ migratory paths fell under the footprint of longline fisheries, directly killing sharks and affecting their food supply.
Dr Bonnie Holmes, from UQ’s School of Biological Sciences, wanted to find out why shark numbers have been declining significantly over the past 20 years.
“We’re losing these incredible creatures, and we know so little about shark movements and what drives them,” she said.
“I joined an international research effort, using new technologies — like satellite tracking and big data analysis — to help answer some critical questions.”