A bibliometric visualization of trends in Philippine sharks studies published in Scopus-indexed journals over the past five decades
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9821.17.6.27116-27124Keywords:
Anthropogenic distrurbance, elasmobranch, marine conservation, ocean sustainability, RStudio, sustainable developmentAbstract
Sharks are one of the oldest vertebrates with a lineage over 400 million years, have drastically declined in population due to increased fishing pressure and demand for shark products. Some species of sharks are top hunters essential for maintaining marine biodiversity and ecological balance. The Philippines, a global biodiversity hotspot, hosts approximately 200 shark species, which are ecologically and economically significant, supporting fisheries, and ecotourism. Shark populations in the country have drastically declined partly due to increased fishing pressure and the demand for shark products, such as fins, meat, and oil. Addressing these challenges requires a deeper understanding of research trends and priorities to guide effective conservation, and management strategies. This study utilizes bibliometric methods to analyze trends in Philippine shark research from 1974—2024, using data sourced from Scopus. A total of 93 peer-reviewed documents were analyzed for publication trends, international collaborations, and emerging research themes. The analysis revealed a steady increase in publication output, peaking in 2019, with a subsequent decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting disruptions in research activities. This study underscores the need for sustained research efforts, enhanced international collaborations, and a focus on underexplored themes such as movement patterns, genetic connectivity, and population structure. By identifying research trends and gaps, this bibliometric analysis provides critical insights to inform evidence-based strategies for shark conservation and sustainable management in the Philippines.
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