Shark BRUV
The SharkBRUV project is a collaborative effort between Save the Med and Shark Med aimed at the conservation of sharks in the Mediterranean. By using BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) boards with scientific and audiovisual equipment, the project collects crucial data on shark populations and their threats. This project aims to debunk myths about sharks being dangerous to humans, generate public support for their protection, and influence changes in fisheries policies.
Explore the Shark BRUV project
The Mediterranean is one of the most dangerous seas on earth for sharks. In the Balearic Sea alone, 32 species of sharks, 27 species of rays, and 1 species of chimaera have been recorded, but the existence of more than half of them is threatened. According to the IUCN Red List on the conservation status of sharks and rays in the Mediterranean, in 2019 it was estimated that 53% of these species were already endangered. This is mainly due to overfishing and habitat alteration, as well as sharks being victims of their poor reputation.
ABOUT SHARK MED
Advancing Shark Conservation with BRUV Technology
Using a BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) board equipped with scientific and audiovisual apparel, the SharkBRUV project is a collaboration between Save the Med and SharkMed which aims to provide scientific evidence of sharks for our marine regeneration and protection efforts. Using bait to attract encounters with sharks, the cameras on the BRUV board collect data 24 hours a day. The images captured enable the scientists to analyse the types of species that are more prevalent and/or responsive to the bait, gauge population numbers, the physical state they appear to be in with regards to their health, and their behaviours.
Taking into account the dire conservation status of sharks and elasmobranchs in the Mediterranean, these observations are critical to have more accurate and up to date information about sharks in the depths of the sea. What is more, the BRUV method is valuable and necessary in the absence of in-depth data on sharks, which, to date, has largely been provided by the fishing industry. Thanks to the SharkBRUV project, we are now able to study sharks in their natural habitat.
The data and images captured by the BRUV provides STM and Shark Med with multimedia materials to document the threats sharks are facing, and dismantle the myth of the danger they pose to humans, generating social support for shark conservation and ramp up pressure to advocate for urgently needed and stricter conservation measures.
