SPA/RAC, Plan Bleu, WWF Mediterranean and WWF North Africa jointly organized, from 24 to 26 September 2025 in Tunis, a sub-regional workshop entitled: “Bridging Science and Policy for Shark and Ray Conservation and Management: Advancing research, management tools, and socio-economic understanding in the Southern Mediterranean”.
This workshop brought together scientific experts, representatives of national and regional institutions, as well as field practitioners, with the aim of strengthening the science–policy dialogue and promoting the sustainable management of sharks and rays—species that play a key role in Mediterranean marine ecosystems but are now under severe threat.
Over the course of three days, participants:
- Shared ongoing national and regional initiatives (Tunisia, Libya, and cross-border projects), as well as the latest IUCN scientific assessments, providing new insights into species population status and genetics.
- Analyzed global, Mediterranean (including within the framework of the Barcelona Convention), and national policy frameworks and action plans, while exchanging on spatial management and conservation tools, including innovative approaches such as voluntary no-take zones and participatory planning.
- Explored the socio-economic dimensions of conservation, emphasizing the need to balance biodiversity protection with the livelihoods of local communities, and examined opportunities for economic diversification.
- Discussed technical solutions for monitoring and reducing bycatch, issues related to species trade, and fisheries management tools proposed by regional organizations such as FAO and the GFCM.
- Discussed communication initiatives, including those coordinated by SPA/RAC, and their importance in strengthening stakeholder engagement.
- Discussed the findings of the Plan Bleu study, “Socio-Economic Impact Study on Implementing Conservation Measures for Cartilaginous Species in the Gulf of Sirte, Libya”, which will soon be made available online.
The workshop concluded with the identification of priority actions and joint commitments, reflecting a shared determination to strengthen synergies between national and regional initiatives, mobilize the necessary funding, and continue cooperation to ensure a sustainable future for sharks and rays in the Southern Mediterranean.
