What is shark conservation?
Conservation itself concerns the ‘preservation, protection, and restoration of the natural environment and of wildlife’. In this circumstance, the ‘wildlife’ in focus are sharks. Healthy sharks lead to healthy oceans, which are vital for a healthy planet. The importance of sharks to oceanic ecosystems – and beyond – makes the successful conservation of this species paramount. Protecting sharks is protecting our future.
Why do sharks need saving?
There are over 500 known species of sharks. Due to maltreatment of the natural world by humans, over 30% of shark species are vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. Since 2014, the number of endangered species has doubled. It’s estimated that 100 million sharks are killed each year by commercial and recreational fishers. The rate of shark mortality has increased by over 70% in last 50 years. The life-threatening impact human activities are having on sharks is exactly why conservation work is so vital. We caused the problem, so we need to solve it.
Why are sharks important?
There is no short answer to this question…
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 existence of our planet hangs in the balance of this biodiverse commodity. However, we have exploited this resource, and the cost has been incomprehensibly destructive. In turn, restoring our oceans is a major topic when deliberating the current climate crisis.
Most shark species are top apex predators. In the same way a lion is the king of the jungle, sharks rule the ocean. Their role is essential, as it catalyses the natural order of marine eco-systems. If you remove a link in the food chain, the entire system is ruptured.
Species of shark which do not fit into the ‘apex predatory’ category still have integral roles in the ocean. Remember, there is no such thing as small parts! Non-predatory species contribute to eco-maintenance, by circulating nutrients via migration, as well as aiding in the ‘carbon cycle’ (reducing carbon emissions). They are essentially the oceans personal assistant!
So, if sharks are an integral asset to healthy oceans… and healthy oceans are conducive to a healthy planet… then the existence and conservation of sharks is critical.
What are the threats shark face?
Shark Fin Demands
Approximately one-hundred-million sharks are killed each year. That’s 100,000,000. Researchers suspect the lead culprit, perpetuating the demise of endangered species, is the shark fin trade. Asian economies, particularly Hong-Kong and China, flourish in this widely illegal, controversial market. It’s estimated that 20,000 tonnes of shark fins are imported for consumption annually. In Chinese culture, shark fins are synonymous with luxury, and in the center of any lavish banquet is ‘shark fin soup’. The demand for shark fins was relatively low and stable, until the economic capitalization of Hong Kong’s stock market in the 1970s. Subsequently, the expanse of Asian wealth has intensified the demand for ‘shark fin soup’.
Shark Finning
Shark Finning is the procedure of severing the fin from the shark, then discarding the (now mutilated) body back into the ocean. Without their fins, the sharks’ fate is sealed, and will subsequently die. The economic value of shark fins far surpasses the value of any other product derived from sharks. It is a niche fishing practice, which is widely banned, as it is deemed unsustainable and unethical. Fins of 73 million sharks each year will be used to make ‘shark fin soup’.
Shark Fishing
Shark Fishing is the intentional targeting of sharks by fisheries. Their protein is becoming increasingly popular in North American, European, Asian, and Australian markets. Shark products are developed and sold for consumption, jewellery, leather, cosmetic products, pharmaceuticals, and medicine.
How does shark finning affect shark fishing?
The imposed legislation on shark finning does not diminish the number of sharks targeted by fishing. Many policies around shark finning only disallow the removal of fins out at sea. Fins or no fins, sharks are still a commodity which generate profit across various global markets. Therefore, despite jurisdiction on finning, shark fishing remains an overbearing threat to ocean populations.
Overfishing
The rate at which fish reproduce has, so far, sustained the fishing industries stock. They are a renewable resource, which will replenish when granted time to do so. However, what happens when we start taking too much, too quickly?
As demand for shark products increase, the slower rate at which they procreate has not been factored into account. Shark numbers are dwindling, yet they are granted no opportunity to boost their population. This pressure is coined as ‘overfishing’.
Despite a desperate need to invoke sustainable fishing practices, regulations are woefully scarce and difficult to implement. If overfishing continues at its current rate, all fisheries globally will collapse by 2048.
Bycatch
Commercial fishing activities will target a specific species. Commonly, other marine creatures are indirectly captured in the process. This is known as bycatch.
Every single day, thousands of miles of nets and lines are cast among the seas, scavenging anything in their path. When undesired species are reeled in, fishermen will discard them overboard. Whilst this may seem like a kindness, it is almost always too late. Due to the destructive force of fishing equipment, bycatch victims will sustain deadly injuries.
A lack of transparency in the fishing industry leaves the threat of bycatch on sharks to be undetermined. Whilst we can acknowledge that bycatch is inevitable in any mass-scale fishing activities, not all fisheries will disclose this information. So, if reports state 20% of long line fishing nets accidentally capture sharks, we can only be left to assume this figure is far greater.
What are Shark Angels doing about the issues facing sharks?
At Shark Angels, we strongly believe that knowledge incites change. A fear of the unknown is one of the biggest contenders stilting the widespread conservation of sharks. By developing a like-minded community, and removing misguided stigma, Shark Angels are closing the gap between the ocean and us. We do this via various channels, all of which you may access on our site.
Shark Angels impacts ocean and shark conservation and changes the future for sharks by turning fear into fascination and passion into action.
- 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.
How can I help shark conservation?
There are various ways you can help aid shark conservation, and Shark Angels provides access to them all. From small changes in your purchase habits, to diving with sharks, we can help guide your journey to becoming a fully-fledged conservationist. Follow the link to our page Ways to Save Sharks and get involved!