What is killing the sharks?
!!! Over one hundred million sharks are killed by humans per year compared to six humans by sharks !!!
Unfortunately, sharks have turned out to be very vulnerable to destruction, and possibly even extinction, by man. Priced for their fins (for soup), their meat, their skins, their teeth and their organs and cartilage (for medicines), sharks have in recent years been so heavily over fished that some species may never recover.
There are many hard working researchers, journalists and conservationists out there that have written and reported about the demise of sharks.
But despite the alarming reports, there hasn't been a significant change of attitude, and necessary laws and enforcement are few and far between.
The following is a very basic outline of the main issues. For more in-depth discussions, articles and reports please check out our links page, where we feature the most informative and comprehensive sites and organizations.
Game Fishing
People still find it entertaining to fish for sharks. Very often the victims of this “sport” are just killed and thrown back into the sea. Even if the shark is still alive when “released”, they often die due to exhaustion.
There are few laws and rules that regulate fishing for sharks.
Fishing Practices
Sharks are frequently caught in trawler nets or on long-line hooks that are set for tuna or swordfish. Sharks are highly migratory and they often swim in groups that are the same size and age. This can mean that a key part of the population (mature females for example) can be wiped out in one fell swoop. Estimates vary, but by-catch (unwanted catch) accounts for a significant proportion of shark fatalities.
Shark Finning
By far the most destructive practice is the harvest of SHARK FINS:
In Hong Kong and Singapore, gourmets will pay a fortune for specialist dishes made from shark fin.
They are usually obtained by the barbarous practice of "finning", where the shark's tail and fins are cut off while they are alive, then the shark is thrown back into the water to die a drawn out, agonizing death. This practice is not only cruel and wasteful, but also absolutely pointless, as the harvested fins' meat has virtually no nutritional value.
Fining has been denounced by many nations, but it nevertheless continues to be practiced due to the “Big Money” involved in this industry. Add to that the corrupt dealings of government officials and police and it becomes clear that this problem has taken on a magnitude second only to the international drug trade.
If you would like to read more check out these articles:
The Reality of Shark Finning (sharkfriends.com)
Natural History Museum – Jaws: the natural history of sharks
An informative article about sharks and shark finning
Squalene
Squalene is an extract of shark liver oil used as an ingredient in beauty products.
It is believed to keep skin looking young and healthy.
As there are hundreds of other ingredients available for cosmetics, it is a sad and absolutely unnecessary that an endangered species has to be killed for such products.
Shark Meat
Demand for shark meat is booming. It is now possible to buy it in supermarkets in Europe, South America and the USA. The shortfin mako which is said to provide the best shark meat, is classified as “lower risk”, but vulnerable species such as the porbeagle shark, are also taken. This trend may be indicative of the fact that so many other fish species are declining and that people have been encouraged to eat fish as a healthy alternative to meat. The Food Standards Agency, however, has advised against giving children shark meat to eat because of high levels of methyl mercury that can damage the nervous system.
Shark Skin
Shark skins can be tanned and used as an alternative to leather (for belts, boots, bags, etc). In theory and on a small scale, this could be a useful by-product of a sustainable and managed fishery. In practice, the impact on shark populations has yet to be assessed or monitored.
Shark Cartilage
Sharks are cartilaginous - they have cartilage instead of bone. The cartilage is used in traditional medicines and is sold in powder or capsule form as a cancer treatment. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that it is in any way effective against the disease and the 'medicine' can be very expensive. Shark cartilage has also been used in the development of a synthetic skin for burn victims
Pollution
The health of the ocean environment is important for all marine species (see Eco Top Ten - Marine). Pollution from human activity often ends up in the sea. Sharks are at the top of the food chain so they are likely to have a higher concentration of the toxins that build up in the body fat of their prey. Because human development and subsequent pollution often occurs in coastal areas, important shark nursery areas are also at risk.
Public Perception
JAWS- The Movie – A Nightmare for Sharks
In 1974 the reputation of the shark took a quantum leap backwards.
The novel "Jaws:" and the following Hollywood movie version sent shark hysteria to new levels.
Even now, many people base their fear of sharks, or even just swimming in the ocean, on this fictitious action thriller.
Books, magazines, movies and shark hysteria followed. Such sensationalistic articles helped shape the public’s image of all sharks being man-eating killers.
Why do we believe it? Jaws is fiction!
For many people this movie only confirms what they already fear. The media exploits this happily and even the "scientific" documentaries on TV can’t resist giving the audience what they want:
!! Bloodthirsty, man-eating, killing-machine-monster sharks !!
It’s time to move on to a more informed view of one of nature’s most fascinating animals.
Links
Excellent article about threats to sharks and conservation by Michael Bright / Natural History Museum
BBC – Animals on the Edge - Sharks
Sean Van Sommeran -
Swimming with Sharks
The Great white’s Ways
sharktrust.org article
The truth about Sharks – Dr. Samuel Gruber weighs in about the DISCOVERY CHANNEL'S "SHARK WEEK."
Read this article
Are sharks in danger of extinction?
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