Central Visayan Sea, Philippines – Researchers using remote stereo camera observations have studied pelagic thresher sharks in the Central Visayan Sea, marking the first non-invasive attempt to assess this vulnerable population.

The study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, used stereo videography to model sustainable fishing pressures. Results indicate that removing more than one third of the mean observed fishing pressure, or more than 5.3% of the population, could threaten the species.

Specifically, taking more than 15 to 18 female sharks per year is likely to result in population decline. The research highlights the delicate balance needed to protect these sharks in their natural habitat.

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