Pupping grounds for the Critically Endangered tope shark Galeorhinus galeus around the Dutch Wadden Islands

A critical discovery identifies the Dutch Wadden Sea and adjacent North Sea waters as a pupping ground for the Critically Endangered tope shark (Galeorhinus galeus), based on catch records and survey observations of neonates in July 2022. This finding is significant given the species' global decline and limited knowledge about its pupping areas, particularly in the Northeast Atlantic. The study highlights the importance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site for shark conservation, emphasizing its role as a potential nursery habitat that could support population recovery efforts. The research approach relied on field observations and existing data to pinpoint this critical area, offering new insights for managing threats such as fisheries capture and environmental change.

Edwards, J. E., Brevé, N. W. P., Walker, P., Buijse, A. D., Bijleveld, A. I., & Winter, H. V. (2026). Pupping grounds for the Critically Endangered tope shark Galeorhinus galeus around the Dutch Wadden Islands. Endangered Species Research, 59, 1–7. CLOCKSS. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01473