Sharks and Rays Back in the North Sea!

SHARKS AND RAYS BACK IN THE NORTH SEA!

© Peter Verhoog Juvenile thornback rays ABOUT SHARKS AND RAYS Important for the marine ecosystem Long before we humans walked this earth, beautiful sharks and rays were swimming in the world’s oceans. These apex predators have been at the top of the food chain for 450 million years, where they fulfil a vital role in the ecosystem of the oceans. They ‘maintain’ coral reefs, they ensure the ecological balance between species and they contribute to healthy populations of other animals by eating the weaker individuals. Largescale overfishing of sharks and rays affects the entire food chain and thus the health of the oceans. Low reproductive capacity Sharks and rays are characterized by a low reproductive capacity; many species are only sexually mature after more than 10 years. Most shark species develop their eggs inside the body of the female. Baby sharks are born fully developed. Most sharks have 1 to 20 pups per year. The reproductive biology of sharks is therefore more akin to that of marine mammals than fish. The Dutch North Sea is the habitat of several egg-laying shark species and rays: both the small-spotted catshark and the greater spotted dogfish or nursehound lay 18 to 20 eggs per year. The eggs take 7 to 10 months to hatch. The empty cases often wash up on beaches. Most Dutch bottom-dwelling rays lay eggs, from 20 to 140 eggs per year. Due to their low reproduction cycles, sharks and rays are vulnerable for overfishing, as the recovery of populations is very slow.

Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) In its policy for the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the Dutch government has stated that in the Dutch part of the North Sea, the population size of vulnerable fish species such as sharks and rays must increase. Reversing a long-term negative trend in elasmobranch stocks must be facilitated by working on the recovery of habitats and by reducing bycatch.

Threatened with extinction Worldwide, a quarter of all sharks and rays are threatened with extinction (IUCN 2016, Red List of Threatened Species). In European waters, more than 30% of species are endangered. At the beginning of the 20th century, rays and skates were frequently found in the Dutch North Sea. Some species were intensively fished for consumption. When the Southern Sea was closed off in the thirties, an important juvenile habitat for sharks and rays was lost. Their numbers steadily decreased, until sharks and rays became rare in the southern North Sea after the Second World War. Due to the intensification of the fisheries in the North Sea from the fifties onwards and the use of heavier fishing gear, more and more areas have become accessible to fisheries. Because of this, these areas are no longer a refuge for sharks and rays.

Presently, only two species are regularly caught: the thornback ray and the spotted ray. The angel shark and the shagreen skate are probably extinct in the Dutch North Sea. Ten out of the twenty shark and ray species that still occur in the North Sea are on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Most sharks and rays and their habitats are not protected. Better protection needed The habitats and nursery grounds for sharks and rays are insufficiently known and must be better charted and protected. Shallow breeding grounds such as coastal zones can become a refuge. Currently a joint project is being worked on with the Dutch fishing organizations that focuses on recognising catches, the survival of the caught animals and on monitoring the number of sharks and rays that are caught. Use is made of (automated) video image recognition and an innovative DNA method. With the information gathered from these methods and the estimated size of the populations, the effect of the fishing industry on the rays in the North Sea can be determined. This will enable us to advise on sustainable management of shark and ray species in the North Sea.

3 SHARKS AND RAYS BACK IN THE NORTH SEA! Reintroduction The numbers of sharks and rays have decreased to such an extent, or have even completely disappeared, that natural recovery of the population not seems feasible. The odds that they will return to the North Sea on their own accord is slim. Reintroducing sharks and rays which are (locally) extirpated in the North Sea (such as the angelshark and the common skate) could possibly be the only way to reinstate these species in Dutch waters. Due to the slow reproductive capacity of sharks and rays, we have developed a long-term plan. Policy must also be adjusted to the long- term.

The pilot programme for reintroduction is divided into three phases, the reintroduction of the thornback ray is currently in phase three, the other species are in phase two..

There are several shark and ray species in the North Sea that are eligible for a reinforcement programme. The thornback ray (Raja clavata), still quite rare in Dutch waters, is already being bred in captivity. There are also other eligible species. Among other things, we consider which species are locally extinct and which species are suitable for breeding. For species that are not yet available through the aquaria, we will ask fishermen and (inter)national research institutes to supply eggs that they find in their fishing and research nets.

Phase 1: Setting up of aquaria In cooperation with aquaria and zoos we have equipped Breeding Centre Blue Linked with tanks to breed thornback rays. Genetic research has shown that the cultures fit the profile of the population that is still present in the wild. We will also seek cooperation with foreign zoos and aquaria that have experience with breeding and caring for sharks and rays.

Phase 2: breeding programme Thornback eggs have been successfully reared at the Breeding centre Blue Linked in Utrecht. The next step will be to breed distinct species of viable sharks and rays from the collected eggs. In view of the successful breeding of rays in Dutch aquariums, we expect this to be a viable option. Both the breeding and the reintroduction programme will be set up in accordance with the IUCN Guidelines for Reintroductions and Other Conservation Translocations of the IUCN/SSC Re-Intro- duction Specialist Group (RSG) and will be made visible to the public. A week after the thornbacks have been tagged they will be returned to the former oyster pits in Yerseke to acclimatise in Ooster- scheldewater. Their well-being is checked there daily. After two weeks the animals can be released into the Oosterschelde.

Phase 3: pilot release programme From the report ‘A habitat suitability analysis of the Oosterschelde and the Voordelta for the thornback ray (Raja clavata) in the Oosterschelde and the Voordelta’, it appears that these areas are potentially suitable as a habitat for the thornbacks. Taking into consideration assumptions and uncertainties, testing the conclusions through monitoring the released thornbacks with special tags (electronic data storage tags) is a necessary step in the development of knowledge about the thornbacks in the Oosterschelde and the Voordelta. This approach can also serve as an example for the habitat suitability analysis for other species of rays and sharks in this area. The first bred and tagged animals were released in the Oosterschelde in October 2017. The released rays are carefully monitored. For the (acoustic) tagging and monitoring of the rays, we collaborate with project partner Sportvisserij Nederland, which has been running a tag and release programme for sharks and rays in the Zeeland delta since 2012. The knowledge we have gained through this research and the reintroduction programme for sharks and rays can be used in worldwide reintroduction programs.

4 © Peter Verhoog Nursehound

Sustainable fisheries There is no targeted catch of sharks and rays in the Netherlands. The large problem, however, lies with the catch and bycatch of sharks and rays. The animals are mostly thrown back into the ocean, sometimes already dead. Dutch fishing policy for the coast and the inland waterways is aimed at a more sustainable fishing sector. Part of this policy is the ‘discard ban’: a ban on throwing fish back into the ocean. This ban does not include the species that are not allowed to be fished according to EU legislation, such as the endangered shark and ray species. These must still be released prompt- ly and unharmed. This exception does however not apply to all sharks and rays, and species that are not (yet) threatened can still be caught and landed. The discard ban is being introduced in phases, and it is possible to obtain an exemption for species with a high survival rate, such as sharks: they can easily survive being put back. More research is needed on rays, research that is currently taking place. An obligation for sharks to be released can aid the slow recovery of the species. We are committed to helping fishermen to achieve better recognition at species level and the importance of correct handling on board.

Monique van de Water, World Wide Fund for Nature the Netherlands: “The common skate is a ray with a width of more than two meters. The tope shark can also grow to a length of 2 metres and was quite common in the North Sea in the past. I think it would be fantastic to see these magnificent, large marine creatures swimming in the North Sea again. The World Wide Fund for Nature works globally to protect sharks and rays. These animals are crucial for the health of our oceans.”

5 Protection and policy With some exceptions (porbeagle shark, spiny dogfish and the common skate), many species in the North Sea are currently not sufficiently protected. A better legal protection at species level is necessary. The establishment of marine protected areas and fisheries regulations should be considered to achieve this. Creating a support base for the protection of sharks and rays At this moment in time there is no support base for the protection of sharks and rays. It is important to create awareness about their vulnerability and about the vital role they play in the ecosystem. We want to inform and involve the public more. For instance, through zoos and public aquaria that can inform their visitors about the project. Visitors can view the animals and learn more at both the breeding centre in Utrecht as well as at the oyster beds in Yerseke. The project has had a lot of media coverage and continues to do so, this contributes to creating more support and awareness. It is crucial for the protection of sharks and rays that we expand these activities.

Michaël Laterveer, Blue Linked: “Have the courage to pass on dreams. It would be fantastic to contribute to a healthy future for charismatic apex predators in their original and natural habitat; the coastal zone of the North Sea. As iconic predators, sharks and rays are the ultimate proof of a resilient ecosystem.”

© Peter Verhoog Juvenile nursehound 6 Sharks and rays in the North Sea Nine different species of sharks occur in the North Sea. Until the seventies of the previous century, the spiny dogfish was the most common shark in the North Sea. International organizations now consider this an endangered species. The current population is only around 20% of the population of some decades ago. This species has a long reproduction period and adult females often school together. Catching such a school of females, often as bycatch, is disastrous for the species.

There are nine species of skates and rays in the North Sea. The thornback ray is not the most abundant species in the North Sea, but it is most frequently caught as a bycatch in the bottom trawl fisheries. Female thornback rays can reach a length of up to 120 cm and only mature at the age of nine years. Male thornback rays can grow up to 100 cm and are mature at eight years of age. The thornback ray is bottom dwelling and feeds on crustaceans and small fish. Most thornback rays remain close to their breeding ground. The flapper skate is the largest skate in the North Sea. They can grow up to 250 cm and weigh up to 100 kg. At the end of the 19th century, the Dutch fleet actively fished for common skates, but now this skate species has disappeared from the Dutch part of the North Sea.

© Peter Verhoog Common stingray 7 8 9 Georgina Wiersma, Dutch Shark Society: “Globally, shark and ray populations have strongly decreased. I have had the privilege of meeting many of these animals in their natural habitat. It would be fantastic if that would be possible in our own North Sea because populations have recovered! It is my passion to show their beauty and importance for the ecosystem of our North Sea and the Zeeland delta. One only loves what one knows!”

© Peter Verhoog Starry smooth-hound 10 PLAN SHARKS AND RAYS BACK IN THE NORTH SEA! Objective A North Sea with a recovered ecosystem, with healthy populations of sharks and rays. This objective must be achieved in 2030. Strategy Increasing the numbers and species of sharks and rays by: 1. Safeguarding present shark and ray populations by limiting (by)catches. 2. Breeding and releasing juveniles of endangered and (locally) extinct shark and ray species. 3. Creating safe habitats for sharks and rays in which (by)catch is prevented as much as possible. Intended results: • Increased population numbers of sharks and rays in 2030. • Protected status of currently known most important habitats and breeding grounds of sharks and rays. • Sharks and rays will occur once again in at least one Natura 2000 area and their protection will be well safeguarded. • At least two species of endangered sharks or rays will be successfully bred and released in the sea. • Greater support for the protection of sharks and rays from authorities, fisheries, and the public through education and communication.

Christiaan van der Sluis, North Sea Foundation: “Sharks and rays belong in the North Sea. Unfortunately, some shark and ray species are not doing well. A few have even disappeared completely. I think that sharks and rays should not be considered just undesirable bycatch. The presence of these predators here is valuable and important. We can ensure the presence of these special animals in the North Sea by doing a better job of protecting them, restoring their habitats where possible and reintroducing lost species through special breeding projects.”

11 PROJECT ORGANISATION

This project is being executed by the Dutch World Wide Fund for Nature in cooperation with the North Sea Foundation (Stichting de Noordzee), Blue Linked, Dutch Shark Society and the Dutch Angler Association (Sportvisserij Nederland). There is a project team that meet on a regular basis to discuss the progress of the project. The Dutch World Wide Fund for Nature is the project coor- dinator, responsible for the communication to the public, and serves as project leader. The North Sea Foundation is discussion and communication partner. Blue Linked breeds elasmobranchs and will lead the breeding program. The Dutch Angler Association will participate in the tracking system of released sharks. The Dutch Shark Society acts as a communication and media partner, provides visual materials and will document the project. APPLICANT

World Wide Fund for Nature the Netherlands WWF Netherlands works towards a healthy North Sea ecosystem through the recovery and protection of important habitats and species that depend on these habitats, and via the sustainability of the fisheries. WWF Netherlands works on protection through: • policy and legislation; • restoration of shellfish beds, sharks, rays and other important marine animals; • sustainability of fisheries by cooperating with the fisheries; and • by working with manufacturers, retailers, consumers and other important links in the fish chain.

© Peter Verhoog First release of thornback rays in the Oosterschelde 12 Niels Brevé, Sportvisserij Nederland: “Recreational anglers enjoy underwater life and look after it. For decennia organised recreational anglers have been working on restoring the population of rare fish types, such as salmon and sturgeon and that of various sharks and rays. Sportvisserij Nederland also introduce people to sharks and rays, for instance during the event Sharkatag, when sharks are caught, tagged and released by licensed anglers. The biological data that is gathered during this event is used for the National Shark Action Plan1 and for effective fishery management. This ensures that the fish will be better managed and protected.”

Partners Stichting De Noordzee

AlStichting meer dan De 30 Noordzee jaar geeft Stichting De Noordzee (SDN) de Noordzee een stem, Partnersmet als doel: een schone en gezonde zee, die invloeden van buiten veerkrachtig opvangt.Al meer danEen 30goed jaar functionerend geeft Stichting ecosysteem De Noordzee legt (SDN)daarvoor de Noordzeede basis. SDNeen stem,zoekt demet dialoog als doel: en eenstreeft schone naar en oplossingen. gezonde zee, SDN die is invloeden een (inter)nationaal van buiten gewaardeerdveerkrachtig Stichting De Noordzee gesprekspartner,opvangt. Een goed met functionerend inhoudelijke ecosysteem kennis. SDN legt werkt daarvoor steeds de vaker basis. samen SDN zoekt met bedrijvende dialoog uiten destreeft sector naar aan oplossingen. concrete projecten SDN is een die (inter)nationaal ten goede komen gewaardeerd aan het Al meer dan 30 jaar geeft Stichting De Noordzee (SDN) de Noordzee een stem, bedrijfgesprekspartner, én de Noordzee. met inhoudelijke Ook richt SDN kennis. zich steedsSDN werkt meer steeds op consumenten vaker samen en met het met als doel: een schone en gezonde zee, die invloeden van buiten veerkrachtig publiekbedrijven om uit gedragsverandering de sector aan concrete te bevorderen projecten en die te tenlaten goede zien komenhoe mooi aan onze het opvangt. Een goed functionerend ecosysteem legt daarvoor de basis. SDN zoekt Noordzeebedrijf én is.de Noordzee. Ook richt SDN zich steeds meer op consumenten en het publiekde dialoog om en gedragsverandering streeft naar oplossingen. te bevorderen SDN is een en te(inter)nationaal laten zien hoe gewaardeerd mooi onze BlueNoordzeegesprekspartner, Linked is. met inhoudelijke kennis. SDN werkt steeds vaker samen met bedrijven uit de sector aan concrete projecten die ten goede komen aan het bedrijf én de Noordzee. Ook richt SDN zich steeds meer op consumenten en het DeBlue oprichter Linked van Blue Linked, Michaël Laterveer, heeft als marien bioloog ruim publiekPARTNERS om gedragsverandering te bevorderen en te laten zien hoe mooi onze 15 jaar ervaring met het houden en kweken van haaien en roggen. Als curator Noordzee is. vanDe oprichter het Oceanium van Blue en hetLinked, haaienbassin Michaël Laterveer, in Diergaarde heeft Blijdorp als marien stond bioloog hij aan ruim de basis15Blue jaar van Linked ervaring de oprichting met het van houden de kweekprogramma’s en kweken van haaien voor publieke en roggen. aquaria Als curator (EUAC, Blue Linked FAITAGvanThe het founder programma’s)Oceanium of Blue en enhetLinked, heeft haaienbassin daarbijMichael een inLaterveer, bredeDiergaarde ervaring has Blijdorpmore met than het stond uitvoeren15 years’hij aan van de dergelijkebasisexperience van deprogramma’s asoprichting a marine vanals biologist coördinator. de kweekprogramma’s in keeping and breeding voor publieke sharks aquaria and (EUAC, De oprichter van Blue Linked, Michaël Laterveer, heeft als marien bioloog ruim FAITAGrays. As programma’s) a curator of enthe heeft Oceanium daarbij and een the brede shark ervaring tank in met Diergaarde het uitvoeren van Sportvisserijdergelijke15 jaar ervaring programma’s Nederland met het als houden coördinator. en kweken van haaien en roggen. Als curator vanBlijdorp, het Oceanium he was one en ofhet the haaienbassin founders of in the Diergaarde breeding programsBlijdorp stond for hij aan de basispublic van aquaria de oprichting (EUAC, van FAITAG de kweekprogramma’s programs) and he voor has publieke extensive aquaria (EUAC, SportvissenSportvisserij is Nederlandéén van de grootste vrijetijdsbestedingen van Nederland; FAITAGexperience programma’s) in coordinating en heeft the daarbij implementation een brede ervaring of such metprograms. het uitvoeren van Sportvisserij Nederland (SVN) heeft 600.000 leden. De organisatie is koninklijk dergelijke programma’s als coördinator. erkendSportvissen en werkt is één sinds van decennia de grootste op diverse vrijetijdsbestedingen fronten toe naar van herstel Nederland; van de kenmerkendeSportvisserij Nederland visbestanden. (SVN) Zij heeft onderkent 600.000 het leden. behoud De organisatie van soorten is alskoninklijk haaien SportvisserijDutch Angler NederlandAssociation enerkendAngling roggen en is voorwerkt one ofeen sinds the gezond most decennia importantecosysteem op diverse recreational in de fronten Noordzee. activities toe naarEen in goed herstelthe voorbeeld, van de waarkenmerkende lobby, onderzoek visbestanden. en publiciteit Zij onderkent bij elkaar het komen, behoud is vanSharkatag: soorten een als 3-daags haaien SportvissenNetherlands; is SVN één hasvan 600,000 de grootste members. vrijetijdsbestedingen The organization hasvan a royalNederland; evenementen roggen voorwaarbij een schippers, gezond ecosysteem hengelaars, in politici de Noordzee. en verslaggevers Een goed gezamenlijk voorbeeld, Sportvisserijacknowledgement Nederland and (SVN)has been heeft working 600.000 for leden. several De decadesorganisatie and isin koninklijk dewaar zee lobby, op gaan onderzoek om haaien en publiciteitte merken. bij SDN elkaar en SVN komen, lanceerden is Sharkatag: samen een de 3-daagswebsite erkenddiverse en ways werkt on thesinds recovery decennia of the op characteristicdiverse fronten fish toe stocks. naar herstelThe van de haairog.nlevenement en waarbij maakten schippers, samen met hengelaars, andere organisaties politici en verslaggeverszoekkaarten en gezamenlijk factsheets kenmerkende visbestanden. Zij onderkent het behoud van soorten als haaien waarmeedeorganization zee op sportvissersgaan acknowledges om haaien haaien- te merken. the en importanceroggensoorten SDN en SVNof preservingkunnen lanceerden herkennen. species samen like de website haairog.nlensharks roggen and envoor rays maakten een for agezond samenhealthy ecosysteemmet aquatic andere ecosystem organisatiesin de Noordzee. in the zoekkaarten North Een Sea.goed en A voorbeeld,factsheets Dutchwaarmeewaargood lobby, example, Shark sportvissers onderzoek Society where haaien- enlobby, publiciteit researchen roggensoorten bij andelkaar publicity komen, kunnen come is herkennen.Sharkatag: together een is 3-daags evenementSharkatag. waarbijA three-day schippers, event hengelaars,during which politici boaters, en verslaggevers anglers, politicians gezamenlijk de zee op gaan om haaien te merken. SDN en SVN lanceerden samen de website Dutchand reporters Shark Shark Society Societygo out is to een sea actieve together schakel to tag tussen sharks. wetenschap In cooperation en publiek with door haairog.nl en maakten samen met andere organisaties zoekkaarten en factsheets hetthe steunen North Sea van Foundation, onderzoek, theyhet zichtbaar have launched maken a website,daarvan haairog.nlen het ontwikkelen waarmee sportvissers haaien- en roggensoorten kunnen herkennen. vanDutchand media-initiatieven together Shark Society with several is eendoor otheractieve fotografie organizations schakel en tussenfilm have binnen wetenschap made een identification informatieplatform. en publiek door Daarbijhetcards steunen and streeft fact van dezesheets onderzoek, non-profitorganisatie that can het help zichtbaar fishers maken tonaar identify een daarvan brede shark en samenwerkingand het ray ontwikkelen met vanDutch media-initiatieven Shark Society door fotografie en film binnen een informatieplatform. anderespecies. instanties en instituten op dit gebied, maar ook met de duikbranche en deDaarbij professionele streeft deze en recreatieve non-profitorganisatie visserij. naar een brede samenwerking met andereDutch Shark instanties Society en isinstituten een actieve op ditschakel gebied, tussen maar wetenschap ook met de enduikbranche publiek door en dehetDutch professionele steunen Shark van Society enonderzoek, recreatieve het visserij. zichtbaar maken daarvan en het ontwikkelen van media-initiatieven door fotografie en film binnen een informatieplatform. DaarbijThe Dutchstreeft Shark deze Societynon-profitorganisatie is an active intermediate naar een partnerbrede samenwerkingbetween met anderescience instanties and people, en institutenby supporting op dit and gebied, visualizing maar ookocean met and de duikbranche en deelasmobranch professionele research, en recreatieve and developing visserij. media initiatives through Partnersphotography and video within several information platforms. The objective of this NGO is a broad collaboration with governmental and 17 Stichtingnon-governmental De Noordzee institutes, but also with the dive industry, industrial fisheries and recreational anglers. 17 Al meer dan 30 jaar geeft Stichting De Noordzee (SDN) de Noordzee een stem, metNorth als Seadoel: Foundation een schone en gezonde zee, die invloeden van buiten veerkrachtig opvangt. Een goed functionerend ecosysteem legt daarvoor de basis. SDN zoekt 17 deThe dialoog North en Seastreeft Foundation naar oplossingen. is an independent SDN is een nature (inter)nationaal and gewaardeerd gesprekspartner,environmental organisationmet inhoudelijke and iskennis. the designated SDN werkt organisation steeds vaker when samen it met bedrijvenconcerns uit protecting de sector and aan sustainably concrete utilisingprojecten the die North ten goede Sea. komen aan het bedrijfThe foundation én de Noordzee. focuses Ook on richt four SDN objectives: zich steeds protect meer nature, op consumenten a clean en het publiekocean, omsustainable gedragsverandering fishing and teenvironmentally bevorderen en friendlyte laten energy.zien hoe In mooi onze Noordzeecollaboration is. with others they work toward solving the biggest nature and environmental challenges on the North Sea. Blue Linked

De oprichter van Blue Linked, Michaël Laterveer, heeft als marien bioloog ruim 15 jaar ervaring met het houden en kweken van haaien en roggen. Als curator van het Oceanium en het haaienbassin in Diergaarde Blijdorp stond hij aan de basis van de oprichting van de kweekprogramma’s voor publieke aquaria (EUAC, 14 FAITAG programma’s) en heeft daarbij een brede ervaring met het uitvoeren van dergelijke programma’s als coördinator.

Sportvisserij Nederland

Sportvissen is één van de grootste vrijetijdsbestedingen van Nederland; Sportvisserij Nederland (SVN) heeft 600.000 leden. De organisatie is koninklijk erkend en werkt sinds decennia op diverse fronten toe naar herstel van de kenmerkende visbestanden. Zij onderkent het behoud van soorten als haaien en roggen voor een gezond ecosysteem in de Noordzee. Een goed voorbeeld, waar lobby, onderzoek en publiciteit bij elkaar komen, is Sharkatag: een 3-daags evenement waarbij schippers, hengelaars, politici en verslaggevers gezamenlijk de zee op gaan om haaien te merken. SDN en SVN lanceerden samen de website haairog.nl en maakten samen met andere organisaties zoekkaarten en factsheets waarmee sportvissers haaien- en roggensoorten kunnen herkennen.

Dutch Shark Society

Dutch Shark Society is een actieve schakel tussen wetenschap en publiek door het steunen van onderzoek, het zichtbaar maken daarvan en het ontwikkelen van media-initiatieven door fotografie en film binnen een informatieplatform. Daarbij streeft deze non-profitorganisatie naar een brede samenwerking met andere instanties en instituten op dit gebied, maar ook met de duikbranche en de professionele en recreatieve visserij.