Sliteye shark found in Chagos Archipelago a brand new first

The in depth seagrass meadows on the Great Chagos Bank had been really found accidentally when researchers had been utilizing satellite tv for pc monitoring to review inexperienced turtles within the area. The revelatory discovery shocked scientists for not solely being discovered at depths of 25 to 30 metres – far deeper than anticipated – however for the big variety of marine life utilizing the seagrass habitat for shelter and meals, together with over 110 fish species and the sliteye shark.

With sliteye shark populations projected to decline by up to 29% within the subsequent 15 years because of fishing pressures, this discovery raises vital questions on species abundance, habitat use, and conservation priorities. It additionally reinforces the pressing must discover and defend deepwater habitats.

These newest findings, primarily based on surveys performed in late 2024, are a part of a collaborative venture between Swansea University and worldwide companions, funded by the Bertarelli Foundation via the Bertarelli Foundation’s Indian Ocean Marine Science Programme. The analysis goals to map present seagrass protection, mannequin habitat suitability to foretell the doubtless extent of seagrass progress, and assess the ecological significance of deepwater seagrass ecosystems throughout the Archipelago.

A current examine, during which sea turtles, manta rays, and seabirds – species that every one journey far and extensive to forage, breed, and migrate – has proven that sizeable marine protected areas could be efficient in defending such species via most of their lifecycle. The Chagos Archipelago – used as the instance for this paper – at present boasts an MPA totalling 640,000 square-kilometres. 

“Very large Marine Protected Areas (VLMPAs) are seen as essential for meeting international goals, such as the target for 30% protection by 2030,” mentioned Dr Alice Trevail from the Environment and Sustainability Institute on the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall. “Our results provide clear evidence for the value of the Chagos Archipelago VLMPA for protecting a diverse range of large and mobile marine species.”

With the anticipated change in sovereignty, because the Chagos Archipelago turns into part of Mauritius, the findings from the 2 research are more and more vital. While offering compelling proof for the worth of the MPA, in addition they point out areas which might be priorities for future long-term safety to make sure the viability of this marine megafauna group.

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