82 species of cartilaginous fish have been described in the Mediterranean Sea . In order to assess them all, the IUCN Shark Specialist Group met in San Marino in September 2003. The assessments (provisional) highlight species of particular concern for which conservation, research and management is a priority. In the case of Mediterranean cartilaginous fish, there is a lack of information regarding stock size, and commercial catches. Preliminary results of the San Marin workshop indicate that there is insufficient information regarding 70% of Mediterranean elasmobranch species. The Red List will contribute to the implementation of the UNEP-Mediterranean Action Plan for Cartilaginous fish (2003).

Below are some examples of the draft assessments for four of the species. Please do not quote these assessments until they become final.