The human factor in conservation and management of sharks in Peru: Additional comments and reflections

Abstract

The letter acknowledges the contribution of Sánchez et al. in highlighting the ecological role of sharks, their vulnerability to overfishing, and the limitations of Peru’s current regulatory framework, but argues that incorporating information on the fisheries responsible for shark catches would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue, given that Peru is among the leading countries in global shark landings. It notes that most captures occur in the artisanal sector and emphasizes that, in addition to strengthening scientific research and compliance with international agreements, integrating the social dimension into management is essential—particularly fishers’ knowledge, which can enhance management measures and sustainability. The text also underscores that effective participation of fishers faces operational constraints and requires flexible mechanisms, while broader challenges persist, such as limited public awareness and negative perceptions of sharks. Consequently, it proposes promoting participatory processes and educational campaigns to foster social engagement, highlighting that incorporating the human dimension is critical for achieving more effective conservation policies and outcomes