IDENTIFICATION, CONSERVATION STATUS, TRADE AND LEGAL PROTECTION BASIS OF CARCHARHINUS SHARK CAUGHT IN THE WATERS OF RIAU ISLANDS PROVINCE, INDONESIA

There are currently 35 species of shark in the genus of Carcharhinus and eight of those are extinct. A global population decline of around 70% over the last half-century signals the urgency of shark fisheries regulation. This study aimed to identify and analyze the status, trade and legal protection basis of the Carcharhinus shark in Riau Islands Province waters, Indonesia. Samples were collected from sharks caught by fishermen and landed at Tangseng Port, Tanjung Pinang, Riau Islands Province, Indonesia. Subsequently identified in the Padang Coastal and Marine Resources Management Center (PCMRMC), Tanjung Pinang Work Unit. Five shark species from the Carcharhinus genus were identified, namely the blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus), sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus), spot-tail shark (Carcharhinus sorrah) and blackspot shark (Carcharhinus sealei). All of these sharks are still caught, consumed and traded in this area. According to the IUCN, the current population conservation status of the Carcharhinus shark are; blacktip reef shark (Vulnerable), blacktip shark (Vulnerable), sandbar shark (Endangered), spot-tail shark (near threatened) and blackspot shark (Vulnerable). Legally, there is not much that can be expected for the protection of the Charcharhinus shark in the area, given that there is no strong legal basis and the government's weak political will in this matter.