National expertise survey – Governance of Sharks and Rays

This survey is designed for facilities/institutes that focus on research and have ongoing research project on sharks. The survey is also for independent researchers conducting elasmobranch research and national experts.

The term “shark(s)” in this study and the survey refers to all elasmobranchs. Please consider this when answering the survey questions.

Participant Information Sheet

Section 3 Form

Section 1: Participant information and consent

I confirm that I have read and understood the participant information sheet. I agree to the conditions therein. I also confirm that I voluntarily participate in this survey and will answer the questions to the best of my knowledge.

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Name of your research institute/affiliation

(if applicable)

Your current position

Country *

Participant consent:

I confirm that I have read and understood the participant information sheet for this study, and I have had the opportunity to ask questions about the study.

I voluntarily agree to participate in this research study.

I understand that I answer in my capacity as [POSITION] on behalf of [ORGANISATION/ENTITY/INSTITUTE/EXPERT DIVISION].

I understand that even if I agree to participate now, I can refuse to answer any question.

I understand that I can withdraw permission to use data from my interview/survey within one month after the interview/survey completion, in which case the material will be deleted.

I understand that I will not benefit directly from participating in this research.

I understand that my personal data (name, contact details, position) will not be disclosed and kept confidential.

I understand that in any report on the results of this research my identity will remain anonymous. This will be done by disguising any details of my interview which may reveal my identity or the identity of people I speak about and only report the results of my interview within specific groups or referring to my organisation/entity/institute/expert division.

I understand that the information provided in this interview will be used and analysed within the course of this project and may be subject to publication.

I understand that the research will be written up as part of a PhD thesis by Lydia Koehler.

I grant to the researcher and the University the right to use this survey (in whole or in part, transcribed or otherwise) for educational, research, and promotional purposes, such uses include but not limited to the respective PhD thesis, print and online publication, and conference presentation.

I understand that disguised extracts from my interview/survey may be quoted in the respective PhD thesis, conference presentations, published papers.

I understand that signed consent form, survey responses and original audio recordings (interview) will be retained in a secured laptop with back-ups being saved on a password protected external hard drive and the University’s One Drive student account to which only the PhD student and her supervisors will have access. The forms and interviews will be stored there for two years after the end of the project/award of the PhD, maximum until end of 2025.

I agree that my data may be managed, stored and archived at the University in accordance with the UK Data Protection Act 1998 and that the University may store electronically the information and recordings outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

I understand that I am entitled to request a copy of my interview and respective forms at any time while it is in storage as specified above.

I understand that I am free to contact any of the people involved in the research to seek further clarification and information.

I understand that the Ethics Committee of the University has reviewed and approved this study.

I agree to taking part in the above study and recording, and hereby assign to the University all copyright in my contribution for use in all work resulting from this project.

I understand how to raise any concerns or complaints about this study.

I am aware that there are no compensation arrangements.

GDPR Agreement *

I consent to having this website store my submitted information so they can respond to my inquiry.

This consent form shall be governed in all respects by English law and the English courts.

Section 2: Contribution, empowerment, national environment

Are sharks consumed/marketed nationally?

Describe the (shark) fisheries taking place in your country.

Sharks may be caught, but they are not marketed.
Sharks are not targeted, but caught as non-target catch/bycatch and marketed/sold.
Only specific shark species are targeted, other caught as bycatch. Both are marketed.
Sharks are targeted in general and sold/marketed nationally.
Other.

If only certain species are targeted, please list these species.

If "Other", please provide details.

What problems/changes do you observe in your country?

I am not aware of any problems.
Protected shark species are regularly caught and marketed.
Shark meat is mislabelled/wrongly labelled.
Shark meat is actively promoted.
There is an increase in shark meat being sold over the past 10 years.
Finning occurs.
Recreational fishers illegally sell sharks.
Other.

Choose all that apply. Please note the term "shark" (as for the whole survey) applies to all elasmobranchs.

If "Other", please specify:

Are you a member of any professional association that focuses on elasmobranchs?

Yes.
No.

If yes ,please specify:

Would you say there is governmental support for shark conservation and sustainable fisheries management in your country?

Yes.
No.
I do not know.

Do you/your research institute work with the national government?

Yes.
No.

If yes, please specify:

Do you/your research institute receive funding from the government?

Yes.
No.

If yes, please specify:

Would you say the government invests sufficiently in shark research?

Yes.
No.
I do not know.

Would you say there is need for improved policies and government actions for shark conservation and sustainable fisheries management?

Yes.
No.
I do not know.

If yes, would you say there is sufficient scientific knowledge for your government to improve shark conservation and sustainable fisheries management?

Yes.
No.
I do not know.

What would you/your research institute describe your position/influence as researcher on national policy making as?

Low. The government is unlikely to respond to requests from researchers and I/ our institute do(es) not or very rarely work with the government.
Medium. I/our institute work(s) occasionally with the government and the government listens to my/researchers’ advice.
Strong. I/our institute have/has a close relationship with the national government. Researchers and the government work closely together, and the government listens, even requests, researchers’ advice on policies.
Other

If "Other", please specify:

Do you/your research institute work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs)?

Yes.
No.

If yes, please specify

How informed is the public on shark related issues, in your opinion?

I do not know.
Not well informed. A low percentage (if any) of the local population is aware of shark conservation efforts and issues, including shark products and meat.
Moderately informed. There is a general understanding of marine conservation issues with some knowledge on shark related issues in the public.
Very well informed. The public is well aware of issues related to shark conservation and management.
Other.

If "other", please specify:

Would you say there is public support for shark conservation in your country?

Yes
No
I do not know.

In your opinion, what would be priority action(s) for shark conservation and management in your country?

This can refer to actions such as increase enforcement, establish protected areas for sharks, improve labelling of shark products, etc.. (you may list multiple)

Section 3: Projects and activities

This section focuses on projects and activities carried out by you/your research institute in relation to shark on elasmobranches.

Please click on the tab "Section 3 form" above and download the document to fill in the table. Save the changes in the document on your computer. Then upload the completed document below.

Thank you very much.

Upload the filled "Section 3 form" here with all the information on your projects and activities.

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Section 4: Additional remarks

Are there any other activities your/your research institute is carrying out in relation to shark conservation and management (e.g. public campaigns, educational or training courses, awareness events, etc.)?

Yes.
No.

If yes, please provide details:

By ticking this box, I/our organisation agree(s) that I can be contacted after submission of this survey for follow-up questions regarding this study.
By ticking this box, I/our organisation would like to ask the researcher to keep me updated on the outcomes of this study.

Additional comments and remarks you would like us to consider: