After surviving several mass extinctions for more than four hundred million years, sharks have been playing a vital role in the health of our oceans. Yet, they are being removed at rates outpacing their ability to reproduce. The 14th of July is Shark Awareness Day, a reminder of how critical it is to comprehend and safeguard these magnificent animals.

As apex predators, sharks control and propel the ecosystem by maintaining a balance between food webs and healthy prey populations. In pristine places, there is an inverted biomass pyramid where there are more predators than prey, and predators control the whole ecosystem. Even though the true distinctiveness of pristine locations lies in their top-down, controlled ecosystem, prior to the removal of these massive animals from the ocean, all regions had this same appearance.

A study published in the journal “Nature” found that the decline of shark populations can have cascading effects on marine food webs, leading to imbalances that can ultimately harm the entire ecosystem. According to marine experts, the extinction of sharks would be the first indication that the entire food chain is degrading.

In addition to their ecological importance, sharks also hold great economic value. Many coastal communities depend on shark-related tourism for their livelihoods, as divers and tourists flock to shark hotspots to witness these creatures in their natural habitats. According to a report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), shark tourism generates significant revenue for local economies, highlighting the economic incentive for shark conservation. Despite their ecological and economic significance, sharks face numerous threats, including overfishing, bycatch, and habitat destruction. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), an estimated 100 million sharks are killed annually, primarily for the shark fin trade, on a global scale.  The sharks are caught, and their dorsal fins are removed and sold at a higher price, primarily in Asia. Serving and feeding shark fins is considered a symbol of wealth and prestige in traditional Chinese culture.

Because of the high demand and value of shark fins, driven by the traditional Chinese delicacy shark fin soup, some shark populations have plummeted by up to 70%, causing a ripple effect in ecosystems and endangering at least 74 shark species.

Efforts to conserve sharks have gained momentum in recent years, with organizations and governments implementing measures to protect these vulnerable species. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has listed several shark species under Appendix II, regulating their international trade to prevent further depletion of their populations. Additionally, marine protected areas and shark sanctuaries have been established to provide safe havens for sharks to thrive without the threat of exploitation.

Individuals can also contribute to shark conservation by making sustainable seafood choices, supporting responsible ecotourism, and advocating for policies that protect sharks and their habitats. Education and awareness initiatives, such as Shark Awareness Day, play a crucial role in dispelling misconceptions about sharks and fostering a deeper understanding of their importance in marine ecosystems.

In conclusion, Shark Awareness Day serves as a poignant reminder of the need to protect and conserve these remarkable creatures.

“Safeguarding a healthy environment is considerably easier than attempting to fix what has been harmed.”

Recognizing the ecological, economic, and cultural importance of sharks, let us endeavour to secure their sustained existence to ensure generations to come will continue to embrace and value these oceanic giants!

Written by:

Apoorwa Amarathunga

3rd Year Undergraduate

Business and Environment Hons.

Faculty of Science

University of Colombo.

References:

  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). www.cites.org.
  • Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). “The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020.” www.fao.org.
  • Heithaus, M.R., et al. “Predicting ecological consequences of marine top predator declines.” Nature, vol. 444, no. 7116, 2006, pp. 979-982.
  • World Wildlife Fund (WWF). “The Potential Economic Impact of Shark Diving Tourism in Palau.” wwf.panda.org.

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