Scientists have confirmed the first-ever recorded capture of a sandbar shark off the coast of the Philippines, marking a significant discovery for marine research in the region. The shark, a member of an endangered species, was caught by local fishermen and later identified by researchers conducting a survey of marine life in the area.
A first for Philippine waters
According to a study published on March 20 in the peer-reviewed journal Acta Ichthyologica et Piscatoria, this is the Philippines’ “first verified report” of a sandbar shark. The Miami Herald also reported the finding, highlighting its importance in understanding the country’s marine biodiversity.
The discovery was part of a larger project aimed at reassessing the diversity of marine fish in the Western Visayas, a region consisting of two islands in the central Philippines. The research team focused their study on sharks, rays, skates, and chimaeras—also known as ghost sharks.
To conduct their survey, scientists visited local fishermen, purchasing several specimens for analysis. One of those specimens, caught in 2020, turned out to be the sandbar shark.
DNA testing reveals marine diversity
Further analysis of the collected samples revealed 14 species of sharks and rays, showcasing the region’s rich but vulnerable marine ecosystem.
Sandbar sharks, which are typically found in the Atlantic Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions, are known for their heavy-set bodies, rounded snouts, and distinctive “large” eyes. The specimens examined by the researchers measured between 14 and 15 inches in length—much smaller than expected, raising concerns about their health and habitat conditions.
An endangered species at risk
Despite their wide distribution, sandbar sharks are classified as an over-exploited species. According to the Florida Museum, these sharks are in high demand due to their “moderate size, palatable meat, and high fin-to-carcass ratio.” However, their slow reproductive cycles and long maturation periods make them particularly vulnerable to overfishing.
Scientists warn that the changing climate and increasing human activity in marine environments may be negatively impacting these sharks. The unexpectedly small size of the specimens found in the Philippines has prompted researchers to call for urgent conservation efforts.
“There is an urgent need to enact monitoring and management policies,” scientists noted in the study, emphasizing the importance of protecting the species before it is driven to extinction.
With this landmark discovery, marine biologists hope to raise awareness about the conservation of sandbar sharks and the broader challenges facing endangered marine species in Philippine waters.