Shark Conservation: Why Shark Angels Work To Save The Sharks
Many people are surprised to learn that sharks need conservation. Few know that many shark species are facing extinction due to shark finning and other threats. Even fewer care, because of their fear of sharks.
Shark Angels believe that tolerance and understanding start with education. That couldn’t be truer when it comes to sharks. We don’t want to protect or save something we are afraid of, and when it comes to sharks, much of that fear is completely unfounded.
That’s why we started Shark Angels – a shark conservation organization – to save the sharks by turning fear into fascination and passion into action.
What Is Shark Conservation?
Shark conservation is the protection and preservation of shark populations both locally and globally. There are many methods of shark conservation – from science to education and from grassroots outreach to legislation. Shark Angels works in several areas of shark conservation to save the sharks. After all, healthy oceans need sharks. And we need healthy oceans for a healthy planet. According to Scripps Institution of Oceanography, fifty percent of the oxygen we breathe comes from the ocean and life processes happening beneath the waves.[2] The importance of sharks to oceanic ecosystems and beyond makes the successful conservation of this species paramount. Protecting sharks is protecting our future.
It’s as simple as that.
Why Do Sharks Need Saving?
Sharks are the perfect predator – formed by 450 million years of evolution, surviving five major extinctions. They have formed life as we know it and keep the oceans, our planet’s life force, healthy.
Sharp Drop In Shark Numbers
It’s estimated that 100 million sharks are killed by humans each year by commercial and recreational fishing – from Science.org.[5] The rate of shark mortality has increased by over 70% in the last 50 years according to CBS News.[6] Over 30% (more than 1/3) of shark species are listed as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.[3] Since 2014, the number of endangered shark species has doubled.[4]
This number could be much higher, and there is no exact number because much of this is done illegally and is unreported. That’s why we need shark conservation urgently.
Sharks Are Needed In Our Ecosystem
Love them or hate them, we need sharks on this planet. Sharks have sat atop the food chain and ruled the oceans 200 million years before the dinosaurs were on this planet. Without sharks, the entire food web collapses and everything underneath them is in jeopardy. Local studies prove the removal of sharks causes the complete collapse of regional ecosystems.
Why Are Sharks Important?
Our oceans are one of the most lucrative, natural resources on our planet. The air you breathe, the rain that falls, the food you eat; the very existence of our planet hangs in the balance of this biodiverse commodity. However, we have over-exploited this resource, and the cost has been incomprehensibly destructive. About two-thirds of the world’s oceans showed signs of increased human impact between 2008 and 2013.[7] As a result, restoring our oceans has become a major topic when deliberating the current climate crisis.
Seagrass meadows and kelp forests absorb carbon from the ocean by means of photosynthesis.[8] When certain species of sharks prey upon the herbivorous fish who consume this vegetation, it limits the fish from consuming excessive amounts of seagrass and kelp. This maintains ecological balance while subsequently aiding in combating climate change by reducing carbon emissions within the ocean. The greater these meadows and forests, the more carbon can be absorbed from surrounding waters. “Blue carbon” is the carbon stored within the ocean, and sharks positively impact this natural process (known as the carbon cycle) simply by existing.
Most shark species are apex predators, which means they are at the top of the food chain.[9] The same way the lion is the king of the jungle, sharks rule the ocean. Their role is essential, as it catalyzes the natural order of marine ecosystems. If you remove a link in the food chain, the entire system is ruptured. This is referred to as trophic cascade.[10]
Species of sharks which do not fit into the ‘apex predatory’ category still play integral roles in maintaining the homeostasis of the ocean. No role is too small. Non-predatory species (including whale sharks, basking sharks, and wobbegongs) contribute to eco-maintenance by circulating nutrients via migration. This process is known as nutrient cycling. Essential nutrients are redistributed throughout the ocean by means of sharks moving from one area to another. They serve as a natural fertilizer, as well as the ocean’s personal assistant!
So, if sharks are an indispensable asset to healthy oceans… and healthy oceans are conducive to a healthy planet… then the existence and conservation of sharks is critical.
What Threats Do Sharks Face?
Overfishing
Shark numbers are dwindling, yet they are granted no opportunity to restore their populations. This pressure is coined as ‘overfishing’.
The primary issue that sharks face is overfishing – whether targeted or accidental. Sharks are heavily sought after for their fins, meat, and even their livers. Recent studies show that the increased legislation on shark finning has inadvertently increased shark mortalities, as new markets for shark products have been developed, making it even more urgent to save sharks.
Shark Products: You’ll be shocked to learn about all the uses for sharks – including all the items in your home that could contain shark: pet food, lipstick, lotions, supplements, even fish patties, and imitation crab! That’s why one of our shark conservation initiatives is to educate the public regarding shark products.
Bycatch: Sharks are also the victims of bycatch – caught accidentally in fishing gear meant for other species. Bycatch from the fishing industry kills millions of sharks and other wildlife every year and accounts for about half of the global shark catches. Because of their value, these sharks are typically harvested as well and used in products containing shark.
Climate Change and Pollution: Sharks are also facing all the threats our oceans face – from climate change and plastic pollution to contamination and destruction of habitat. They are in the center of the perfect storm.
Human Impact: There is no denying our impact on the oceans over the last century has been greater than all previous centuries combined. We are quickly changing the ocean’s chemistry, temperature, and biodiversity while at the same time, polluting the seas with toxic chemicals and plastics. Sharks sit at the forefront of this lethal combination of catastrophes, vulnerable to all. These issues combined have pushed many shark species to the brink of extinction, requiring an immediate, global focus on shark conservation.
Shark Finning
Shark finning is the unsustainable practice of removing a shark’s fins and discarding the rest of the body back into the ocean. Without their fins, the sharks’ fate is sealed, and they subsequently die slow and agonizing deaths. They can drown (suffocate), bleed to death, starve to death, or be eaten by other marine animals.[17] Shark finning is the 3rd highest illegal trade after drugs and weapons, and can take a shark’s dorsal, pectoral, and caudal fins.[17]
Why did the inhumane practice of shark finning start? Researchers suspect the lead culprit, perpetuating the demise of endangered shark species, is overfishing due to the shark fin trade.[12] Asian economies, particularly Hong-Kong and China (who broker approximately 50% of the dried shark fin market[13]), flourish in this widely illegal, controversial trade.
Shark Fins: The fins are prized for their use in shark fin soup, a delicacy in some cultures. A single shark fin can be worth several hundred dollars (more depending on species) – and is a very hot commodity. The bigger the fins, the more desired the shark. Because of this, the blue shark species is one of the most sought-after for shark fin soup.[18]
Shark Fishing
Shark fishing is the intentional targeting of sharks by both commercial and recreational fishermen. It often takes place simply for the “thrill of the catch”, to garner trophies, or for personal consumption.[20]
Shark Meat: In comparison to shark fins, shark meat has a relatively low commercial value, netting only $850 USD per ton. While the fins are like gold, the rest of the shark is not worth the space on the boat to some fishermen, though that is quickly changing as global pressure upon limited commercial fish stocks grows. Shark protein is becoming increasingly popular in North American, Asian, and Australian markets, with South America and Europe being the largest consumers of shark meat.[21] Subsequently, Italy, Brazil, Uruguay, and Spain are the biggest importers of shark meat products.[21]
Shark finning – and shark fishing – is highly detrimental to shark populations, as many species have slow reproduction rates, reach maturity much later, and have few pups. Consequently, sharks, unlike other fish species, are unable to recover from the amount fished each year.
Several countries have implemented laws to ban or restrict shark finning, but the practice remains a significant global issue and without enforcement, many loopholes continue to be exploited. Many shark conservation organizations, including Shark Angels, have long focused on eliminating shark finning through grassroots shark conservation campaigns.
What is Shark Fin Soup?
In Chinese culture, shark fins are synonymous with luxury, and at the center of any lavish banquet is ‘shark fin soup’.[14] The demand for shark fin soup first emerged during China’s Song dynasty (960-1279), when the country was most prosperous.[15] This “rare delicacy”, as it was known, was a way to show off wealth and affluence. Once only available to Emperors, the Chinese middle class expanded and grew in financial status, gaining access to shark fins for soup.[16] From there, it became a cultural staple, and those who did not serve shark fin soup at their gatherings were deemed to be cheap.[16]
Are Sharks Going Extinct?
The frightening reality is, though we think we know so much about sharks – especially with a whole Shark Week dedicated to them, many are surprised to hear that several shark species could face extinction. 37% of the more than 500+ shark species are considered threatened with extinction and are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
More than one-third of all pelagic sharks – often targeted for shark finning, and half of the shark species targeted by commercial fisheries are threatened with extinction. Many shark populations have declined dramatically over the past thirty years, some by as much as 95% regionally.
What Happens If Sharks Go Extinct?
Without sharks, not only will food webs be disrupted and habitats degraded, but the oceans – our most critical ecosystem – will be in serious jeopardy, potentially leading to widespread ecological collapse.
The ocean provides 1/3 of the global population with food, removes nearly 1/2 of the carbon dioxide on this planet, and provides more oxygen than all the rainforests combined. Every second breath you take comes from the ocean.
We should not be worried about sharks. We should be worried about a world without sharks. We need to save the sharks because the real question is, not will sharks survive us, but will we survive without sharks?
How Can I Save The Sharks?
There are many ways that you can earn your wings and help with shark conservation with Shark Angels. A grassroots organization, you are able to get involved in a meaningful – and hands-on – way!
You can Adopt a Shark from Shark Angels – to save the sharks. Proceeds from our shark adoptions fuel our shark conservation campaigns and make it possible to do our important work. You can adopt a shark virtually or get an adorable shark in the mail.
You can also Meet a Shark by joining Shark Angels on an expedition – making sharks more valuable alive than dead. This is a great way to help save the sharks – and have a life-changing experience.
You can learn to use your vote to protect sharks! Educate yourself on the laws that supposedly protect sharks. And then, you can advocate for local protection for shark conservation.
You can get smart and teach others. Shark conservation starts with education. You can even learn more by scheduling a shark conservation presentation. You’ll learn about shark finning – and all the other issues facing sharks. You’ll also find out why sharks are so cool. We love educating about sharks and helping people become informed, turning their passion into action.
You can get educated on products containing shark and ensure you aren’t supporting the extinction trade. Keep sharks out of your home!
You can volunteer. We are looking for all kinds of people to save the sharks with lots of different skills: writing, social media, graphic designers, videographers, and students.
There’s plenty more ways to save sharks on our site.
What Is Shark Angels Doing To Save The Sharks?
Shark Angels have been involved in some of the most influential shark conservation campaigns on the planet – from making shark fin an illegal substance for more than 160 million people to rallying for the protection of more than 260,000 square miles of shark sanctuaries.
At Shark Angels, we strongly believe that knowledge incites change. And fear of sharks is one of the biggest issues facing widespread shark conservation. By developing a like-minded community, and removing misconceptions, Shark Angels are closing the gap between the sharks and us.
Shark Angels impact ocean and shark conservation and change the future for sharks by turning fear into fascination and passion into action. We:
- Provide educational presentations to thousands of kids and adults worldwide.
- Demystify shark science through posts via social media channels: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
- Protect declining shark species by advocating for stronger laws and regulations.
- Create tools to enable consumers to make sustainable shark safe choices.
- Offer unique travel experiences to learn about sharks in the wild and support eco-tourism in shark hot spots.
- Continuously expand our Shark Laws and Loopholes Resource Guide which highlights the challenges of shark protections worldwide.
- Provide tools for kids and adults to take action to become more effective shark advocates.
Written by Julie Andersen, Founder, Shark Angels and Candace Drabeck, Intern and Marine Resources and Management student, Everglades University.
References
[1] USDA. (2014) What does conservation mean? [PDF] https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/English%20Whats%20CONSERVATION%20Mean_4.pdf
[2] Hook, B. (2023, May 31). Phenomenal Phytoplankton: Scientists Uncover Cellular Process Behind Oxygen Production. Scripps Institution of Oceanography. https://scripps.ucsd.edu/news/phenomenal-phytoplankton-scientists-uncover-cellular-process-behind-oxygen-production
[3] International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (2022, September 22). New hope for the conservation of sharks, rays and chimaeras: Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs). https://iucn.org/story/202209/new-hope-conservation-sharks-rays-and-chimaeras-important-shark-and-ray-areas-isras
[4] Oceanographic Staff. (2021, November 2). New study finds unprecedented shark and ray extinction risk. Oceanographic Magazine. https://oceanographicmagazine.com/news/shark-study/
[5] Cummings, S. (2024, January 11). Shark kills rise to more than 100 million per year—despite antifinning laws. Science. https://www.science.org/content/article/shark-kills-rise-more-100-million-year-despite-antifinning-laws
[6] Lewis, S. (2021, January 28). Global shark and ray populations have plummeted 71% in the past 50 years — nearing a “point of no return”. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/global-shark-ray-populations-overfishing-extinction/
[7] The World Bank. (2017). Life Below Water. Atlas of Sustainable Development Goals 2017. https://datatopics.worldbank.org/sdgatlas/archive/2017/SDG-14-life-below-water.html
[8] Nicolas, A. (n.d.). Sharks are key to the health of our oceans and climate. World Wildlife Fund (WWF). https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/sharks-are-key-to-the-health-of-our-oceans-and-climate (Retrieved September 6, 2024).
[9] Williams, L. (2023, March 8). Apex predators: What they are, why they’re important and how apex predators affect ecosystems. BBC Wildlife Magazine. https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/apex-predators-what-they-are
[10] Carpenter, S. (n.d.). Trophic Cascade. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/trophic-cascade (Retrieved September 6, 2024).
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[12] Sherriff, L. (2020, August 7). This is What is Killing Sharks. Discovery. https://www.discovery.com/nature/this-is-what-is-killing-sharks
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[14] Smith, L. (2016, March 10). Shark fin soup: a dangerous delicacy for humans and sharks alike. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2016/mar/10/shark-fin-soup-a-dangerous-delicacy-for-humans-and-sharks-alike
[15] Department of Asian Art. (October, 2001). Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). The Metropolitan Museum of Art. https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/nsong/hd_nsong.htm
[16] Tima, N. (2022, November 28). Why Shark Fin Soup Is Still Served at Weddings. Sentient Media. https://sentientmedia.org/shark-fin-soup-wedding-receptions/
[17] Narcosis Nick. (n.d.). Stop Shark Finning. https://narcosisnick.com/stop-shark-finning/ (Retrieved September 6, 2024).
[18] Choy, C.P.P., Wainright, B.J. (2022, March 22). What Is in Your Shark Fin Soup? Probably an Endangered Shark Species and a Bit of Mercury. National Library of Medicine: National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8997153/
[19] Oceana. (2023, May 31). Historic legislation passed in December 2022 banned the buying and selling of shark fins in the U.S., thereby removing the U.S. from the global shark fin trade. https://usa.oceana.org/our-campaigns/ending-the-shark-fin-trade/
[20] Florida Museum. (n.d.). Shark Fishing in the U.S. Discover Fishes. https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/sharks/us-shark-fishing/ (Retrieved September 6, 2024).
[21] Marine Stewardship Council. (n.d.). Sharks and sustainable fishing. MSC International. https://www.msc.org/species/sharks (Retrieved September 6, 2024).
[22] Andersen, J. (n.d.). Products Containing Sharks. Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation. https://www.robstewartsharkwaterfoundation.org/articles/products-containing-sharks (Retrieved September 6, 2024).
[23] Hancock, G. (n.d.). Restaurants Currently Offering Shark Fin (or Imitation Shark Fin) Soup. Animal Welfare Institute. https://awionline.org/content/restaurants-currently-offering-shark-fin-soup (Retrieved September 9, 2024).
[24] Worm, B. (2021, June 8). We projected a fisheries collapse by 2048 — now there is reason for hope. The Hill. https://thehill.com/opinion/energy-environment/557273-running-out-of-fish-by-2048-the-wake-up-call-needed-to-replenish/
[25] Hamrud, E. (2021, April 30). Fact Check: Will The Oceans Be Empty of Fish by 2048, And Other Seaspiracy Concerns. Science Alert. https://www.sciencealert.com/no-the-oceans-will-not-be-empty-of-fish-by-2048
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[29] Oceana. (2022, September 23). Learn More: Shark Bycatch. https://europe.oceana.org/our-work-marine-wildlife-sharks-learn-more-shark-bycatch/
[30] Keledjian, A., Brogan, G., Lowell, B., Warrenchuk, J., Enticknap, B., Shester, G., Hirshfield, M., Cano-Stocco, D. (March, 2014). Wasted Catch: Unsolved Problems in U.S. Fisheries. Oceana. https://oceana.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/Bycatch_Report_FINAL.pdf