In 2021, a silk shark named Genie broke a world record by migrating over 27,666 kilometers in just 546 days. The shark was discovered near Wolf Island in the northern Galapagos Marine Reserve by researchers from the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF). Over the course of 546 days, they tracked Genie’s journey and recorded its remarkable achievements.
Dr. Pelayo Salinas de León, head of the research team, emphasized the importance of understanding migration patterns of silky sharks and other threatened species to implement effective management measures and prevent global population declines. Silky sharks are currently classified as “vulnerable species” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List due to their susceptibility to overfishing due to slow growth and late maturation. They are also one of the most commonly caught shark species in the fishing industry, making them a top conservation priority for CDF and many other organizations.
The study detailing Genie’s journey and behavior can be found in the journal Fish Biology. It revealed consistent repeat movements over large distances offshore, beyond current protected and managed marine areas. This information is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies that can help protect this important species from further decline.
