Sharks are currently among the most endangered faunal groups on the planet. Ocean pollution, climate change and overfishing have put many species at risk.

Sharks are currently among the most endangered faunal groups on the planet. Ocean pollution, climate change and overfishing have put many species at risk.

In order to contribute to the sustainable management of the fishery resource and minimize the accidental capture of sharks, cartilaginous fish of the slasmobranchs subclass, the application of different experimental designs in longline fisheries in Spain is proposed. These fisheries are responsible for a large part of the catches of these animals.

Within the initiative, the repellent effect of different types of magnets and hooks placed on fishing lines will be evaluated, to establish the bases that allow selective capture in the Spanish longline fishery. Tests will be carried out in captivity, at the Oceanographic Museum of Valencia, and in the wild, from the Port of Vigo, to establish the bases that allow a management proposal before the relevant authorities, in order to maximize the capture of target species, minimizing accidental shark catches.

A comprehensive study of the diet of longline-caught pelagic species will also be carried out and the presence of contaminants accumulated in tissues will be examined. Finally, a monograph will be published to promote knowledge of the problem of these captures and the dissemination of possible solutions.

The specific objectives are:

• To contribute to expanding the information available on slasmobranchs in the Spanish Inventory of Marine Species and Habitats, especially of pelagic species affected by longline fisheries.
• Reduce accidental capture through the use of magnetic devices.
• To draw up the relevant protocols for their implementation by the public administrations in the Spanish longline fleet.