麻豆社

Sharks and rays are a key part of healthy marine ecosystems. But, due to their slow growth and rates of reproduction they are vulnerable to human activities. Fishing – both on purpose and accidentally – for their flesh and fins is the biggest threat. Current fishing rates are catching sharks faster than they can reproduce and an increase in the demand for their fins for a delicacy called ‘shark fin soup’ is a major driver of catches. Habitat loss (e.g. pollution), persecution (e.g. killing sharks after shark bites) and climate change (e.g. by altering habitats) are also major threats and it is estimated that one quarter of all sharks and rays are threatened with an elevated risk of extinction.To make matters worse, we have a limited understanding of the biology and risks facing many of these species. Therefore, the future of sharks is not looking good.

If we are to secure their future we need to take action now to stop the rapid declines and a number of important steps need to be taken. Governments around the world need to dedicate more human and financial resources to achieve shark conservation and management objectives. Improved management of fisheries and trade is urgently needed to avoid extinctions and promote population recovery. Governments, scientists, managers and fishermen need to work together to increase monitoring, research and management.

Yet, there are signs of hope - some countries are declaring shark sanctuaries where sharks are protected from fishing and governments are realising that in some cases it is more profitable and sustainable to keep sharks alive by allowing people to dive with them rather than to fish for them. One thing is for sure, if we want these top predators to be part of our future ocean, we need to consider their needs together with ours.