Protecting Sharks and Rays: Science and Collaboration with partners in Indonesia to Fight Illegal Wildlife Trade
Did you know that Indonesia is the world’s largest shark fishing nation? From vibrant coral reefs to bustling export hubs, sharks and rays are a big part of life and livelihoods across the archipelago. But with this comes a big responsibility — and a big challenge.
Sharks and rays are facing global declines, with over one-third of species at risk of extinction due to overfishing, low reproduction rates, and growing market demand. In Indonesia, much of the trade in shark products — like dried fins, frozen fillets, and liver oil — goes unmonitored or under-reported. That’s where the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund (IWTCF) is supporting our team of dedicated scientists, government officials, and conservationists to step in.
Three Years of Innovation and Impact
Our collaboration began with the three-year IWTCF project (completed in March 2023) which brought together experts from Cefas, Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), Rekam Nusantara Foundation, and the University of Salford to build the tools, training, and science needed to reduce illegal shark and ray trade.
What did we do?
- Built a team of expert trainers – A brand-new, five-day training programme was developed and delivered to 20 specialist trainers from across Indonesia. Covering everything from shark biology and conservation laws to how to take DNA samples, the programme is now a permanent part of MMAF’s national training for new staff.
- Used cutting-edge DNA science – When shark fins are dried, bleached, or processed, it’s nearly impossible to tell what species they came from — and that’s a huge problem for enforcing trade regulations. PhD researcher Dr Andhika Prasetyo, supported through this project, developed DNA-based techniques to solve this issue. One exciting innovation was “shark-dust” sampling, which collects residue left behind at processing plants. This method detected more illegal species than traditional tissue testing — and could revolutionize trade surveillance monitoring.
- Shared knowledge internationally – In 2022, Indonesian partners visited the UK to meet scientists and policymakers, and share lessons, with the UK on how we approach fisheries management wildlife trade. The team also co-created the world’s first visual ID guide for shark trunks, led by international experts Dr Rima Jabado and Dr Debbie Abercrombie, which is now part of an international toolkit to support the identification of sharks in trade.
Staff inspecting dried shark and ray specimens
Why It Matters
Indonesia is a hotspot for shark diversity — but also one of the countries where sharks are most at risk. While sharks aren’t illegal to catch or consume domestically, gaps in data, limited monitoring, and complex supply chains make it hard to stop illegal international exports. By working together to train inspectors, develop simple yet powerful tools, and support local communities, this project is helping to ensure that Indonesia can meet its international commitments while safeguarding ocean health.
What’s Next? A New Chapter Begins
In 2024, Cefas and its partners kicked off a new £1.5 million IWTCF-funded project, Catch Aware, to build on this success over the next 3.5 years. What’s in store?
- Training – We’re expanding our species ID training to more regions, including new sharks and rays added to CITES listings.
- Private sector engagement – Fishers, processors, and exporters will be brought on board to improve legal compliance and sustainable practices.
- Better data, better policy – We’re working to standardize how data is collected and used to inform national and international fisheries management.
- Growing local expertise – A new PhD programme will support the next generation of Indonesian shark scientists and conservation leaders.
Further Reading
