Sharks and Rays of the United Arab Emirates

The waters of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are home to a wide variety of shark and ray species, many of which are unique to the region and about which relatively little is known. Research efforts to date have focused primarily on identifying the species that occur locally and their importance to fisheries, but further research is required to understand their inherent biological and ecological traits. Decades of heavy fishing pressure and coastal development have impacted shark and ray populations to the extent that some, once common species, are now considered rare. Encouragingly, the UAE has adopted a National Plan of Action for the Conservation of Sharks to guide researchers and policy makers in their efforts to ensure that the nation’s shark and ray populations are effectively managed and conserved.