Sharks have been one of the world's greatest and oldest predators, having evolved over 400 million years ago. They are a creature often feared and labelled as "man-eaters," despite the rarity and rather low numbers of shark attacks each year. Ocean ecosystems have long depended on the shark and the stability its lasting presence has brought. Sharks are vital to keep schools of fish in check as not to overexploite aquatic plant life and the oxygen these plants produce. Studies on the shark have also showed their profound affect on fisheries. However, despite their amazing track record, shark populations are dwindling and the species are being threatened to possible extinction.
What could possibly be destroying the sharks, a predator at the top of the food chain? Well, we are. As of 2011, it is estimated that up to 100 million sharks are killed each year in shark finning. 100 million is a huge number (remember this is only for finning, not for other causes). Finning is the practice of slicing off only the shark's fins. The rest of the shark is discarded, over 96%. A shark's life is taken for the small amounts of cartilage within the fin.
The cartilage is used for Shark Fin Soup, an Asian delicacy. It itself actually has very little flavor and is used primarily for texture. The fins sell at enormously high price. A bowl can easily cost over $100. Shark Fin Soup used to be an occasional meal, something reserved for the upper class for sporadic meals. However, consumerism and the profit to be made has caused it to become more and more in demand. As a result, sharks have increasingly become more and more exploited leading to ridiculous numbers such as 100 million dead sharks per year for the sake of a soup.
Furthermore, the manner in which the shark fins are obtained is extremely inhumane. Many sharks are caught and taken on board of a boat. While they are still alive, their fins will be cut off. Their bodies will then be pushed off the boat and back into the ocean. Unable to swim, the shark will sink to the bottom of the ocean and die, like the ones picture on the left.
A method called long lining is used. A long piece of fishing line is used and spread out in an area of the ocean, stretching from one mile to even over a hundred. Secondary lines can be attached at intervals along the main long line. Literally thousands of hooks can then be strung across the line. The long lines will catch anything that gets close enough to the hooks. Not just sharks but also dolphins, protected sea turtles, whales and even sea birds like the albatross. An animal doesn't have to get caught on a hook to fall prey to the long line. It can simply get tangled in its clutches.
Long lining is banned in some areas for the damage it has done to marine life. But even in illegal areas, it shows up and is difficult to catch. Take for instance, Cocos Island, an island off the coast of Costa Rica with an abundance of biodiversity and very delicate ecosystem. It is also probably the largest sanctuary to sharks in the world. It is a protected area. Fishing and hunting is not allowed within so many several miles of the island. However, various groups, including National Geographic, have encountered many instances of illegal hunting, long-lining, and overall exploitation. One group reported finding a huge long line less than a mile off the coast of the island with 25 sharks caught on it. One of these sharks was pregnant.
If the level of shark killings does not severely decline, the extinction of the species is drawing very near. With the demand for shark fins increasing, the sharks will never get a chance to replenish their population both from overexploitation and low reproductive rates. Sharks have low mortality, late sexual maturity, and slow growth rates. Even if fishing was completely eliminated, it would still take years for them to recover.
For my own state, I am proud to say that as of last year, Hawaii has banned shark finning as well as the possession, distribution, and selling of shark fins. Though the massacre isn't curbed yet, hopefully we can set an example for others to take this step forward.
For more information, two great documentaries are Sharkwater and Shiver. The link below can also provide more information and ways to get involved.
