Sharks and stingrays miscarry when caught

Australian researchers found that a quarter of sharks and stingrays are about to give birth to miscarriages when they are retired, revealing the risk of lesser known to the survival of these slow-growing animals, Guardian reported.

Analysis of reported cases of sharks and manta rays miscarriage or premature birth showed that 24% of children were pregnant in 88 species that lost their offspring. In some species such as stingrays, the rate of miscarriage when caught is 85%.

The study published in the journal Biological Conservation also examines 40 live video recordings of sharks and stingrays posted on social networks and appears in most cases, videos revealing injury-induced miscarriage. .

The 450kg stingray was caught near Izmir, Turkey, in September last year giving birth prematurely for fear of humans.(Photo: Ajans Haber).

The loss of a miscarriage due to abortion when caught is a phenomenon that has been largely unreported, often confused and not well understood, but has profound effects on the biota and the ability to recover numbers. quantity.

Kye Adams, head of research at the University of Wollongong, stressed that recreational fishermen and marine scientists need to be informed about the risk of miscarriage when catching a pregnant shark or stingray.

About 80% of sharks and rays are caught by Australian fishermen in Australia and then released into the water, but according to Adams, the damage caused by being caught makes a shark lose its young.

'We recommend that if you catch a pregnant shark or stingray, you can recognize it right away because they are very fat. The best thing you can do is release them right away without pulling them out of the water. Cut the line closer to their mouths and avoid getting yourself injured , 'Adams said.

About 60% of sharks and stingrays give birth to babies with a gestation period of up to two years. The long gestation period combined with slow growth and maturation make the loss of young offspring a major threat to the whole species.'They need as many young as possible. For some species like swordfish and angel shark, miscarriage can be damaging , "Adams said.

Stress is the most common factor in all births when caught, but there is not enough research to determine the link between stress and physical injury.