A brand new study in Science has discovered that overfishing is driving reef sharks towards extinction. The research, which was carried out by greater than 150 researchers worldwide, together with scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), discovered that the 5 principal shark species that reside on coral reefs have declined globally by a median of 63 p.c.
The research’s outcomes are based mostly on 22,000 hours of video footage from baited underwater video stations throughout 391 reefs in 67 nations and territories. The footage reveals that sharks are actually absent from many reefs the place they had been as soon as widespread. The research’s authors say that the primary offender for the decline of reef sharks is overfishing. Sharks are sometimes caught as bycatch in fishing nets, and they’re additionally focused for his or her fins, that are utilized in shark fin soup. The research’s findings have vital implications for shark conservation.
The authors say that sturdy shark and ray protections, similar to well-enforced marine protected areas, are important to stopping the extinction of reef sharks. WCS is dedicated to shark conservation, and the group is utilizing the research’s findings to tell its shark conservation efforts on nationwide and native ranges. WCS can be working to show worldwide insurance policies into shark conservation measures similar to safety, fisheries administration measures, and marine protected areas. The research’s findings are a wake-up name for the world. If we don’t take motion to guard reef sharks, they might quickly be gone eternally.
Listed below are some key factors from the research:
- Overfishing is the primary offender driving reef sharks towards extinction.
- Reef sharks have declined globally by a median of 63 p.c.
- Sharks are actually absent from many reefs the place they had been as soon as widespread.
- Sturdy shark and ray protections are important to stopping the extinction of reef sharks.
- WCS is dedicated to shark conservation and is utilizing the research’s findings to tell its shark conservation efforts.
