Our work in the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) will be further expanded following a grant from the UK Government’s Darwin Plus initiative.
The new project will work directly with the Anguilla National Trust, the Government of Anguilla’s Fisheries and Marine Resources Unit and the University of Exeter to support the conservation and of local shark populations in this Caribbean territory.
The UK Government’s Darwin Plus initiative provides vital funding to support projects which aim to protect the natural environment of the UKOTs which possess over 94% of the UK’s unique biodiversity.
As apex predators, sharks play a critical role in marine ecosystem recovery and resilience. Globally, 25% of all shark species are threatened with extinction, with major threats being commercial fishing and habitat degradation.
Amdeep Sanghera, UKOT Conservation Officer, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have received this vital Darwin Plus funding for this exciting project in Anguilla. By undertaking the first ever assessments of sharks in Anguilla, we’ll understand the status of these keystone predators.
“Atlantic shark populations have declined by as much as 90% in recent decades, including in the Caribbean region which is home to at least 40 shark species. This project will develop priority conservation actions to support conservation of Anguilla’s shark populations, with local communities fully engaged in creating these solutions.”
We will lead on this project alongside local NGO, Anguilla National Trust (ANT). Being guided by University of Exeter’s Dr Matt Witt, the project will employ baited remote underwater cameras (BRUVs) in shallow and deep-water habitats to support the first ever ecological shark assessment in this UKOT.
Supported by the Fisheries and Marine Resources Unit (Government of Anguilla), we’ll use tried and tested Community Voice Method (CVM) of engagement to better understand local community relationships with sharks and include their voices in informing a national shark Species Action Plan to safeguard these invaluable creatures for generations to come.
“The ANT is extremely pleased to be a part of this collaborative project. Over the last few years we’ve strengthened our relationship with the Fisheries and Marine Resources Unit, but this is the first time that we’ll be partnering with MCS and the University of Exeter. With their extensive experience, expertise, and commitment to evidence-based marine conservation, we’re looking forward to developing local capacity as we work together to conserve some of the world’s most misunderstood and feared species.” Farah Mukhida, Executive Director, Anguilla National Trust
“For several decades, an assessment of Anguilla’s shark species populations, and Anguillians sentiments on sharks, were outstanding and much needed areas of research. In today’s world, where social media is constantly creating a shark fearing culture, and unconsciously publicizing the mistreatment and indiscriminate behavior to sharks, by fishers and the acceptance of our communities and leaders to these actions; some work must be done to sensitize the Anguillian public, our fishers and political leaders. Fisheries Unit is happy to be a part of this project, and looks forward to engaging all stakeholders to assist with changing people’s negative attitudes towards shark conservation.” Kafi Gumbs, Director, Fisheries and Marine Resources Unit
“The University of Exeter is excited to be able to support this new Darwin project. We have a long history of involvement with the Darwin Initiative and MCS across the Caribbean. We are eager to be able to extend our scope of scientific support to shark research and conservation and to build new relationships with ANT and the Anguilla Government. We will offer our expertise in underwater camera systems to improve knowledge for these incredibly important, but often much maligned, species” Dr Matt Witt, Associate Professor in Natural Environment, University of Exeter.
– Press Release
