Fishing has been the main activity that has had the greatest impact on the extinction of the white shark. Beyond looking for culprits, environmental groups are pressuring US authorities to enact laws that help the conservation of this species that lives mainly on the coasts of Mexico and the United States.
The number of white sharks has decreased dramatically in recent years, which is why Geoff Shester, director of Oceana, took actions to help conserve this species. “The white shark is an important element in the health of the oceans. “We must protect it and put aside the fears we have of it.”
After a count carried out in 2011 by scientists Oscar Sosa and Taylor Chapple, the number of specimens was a surprise to the world of biology: only 350 sharks remain, much fewer than expected. In 80% of death cases, fishing nets are the main reason: when they become trapped in them, they inevitably die. Furthermore, the reproduction of this animal is very slow compared to the mortality rate, which prevents it from multiplying quickly to counteract the damage already done.
In addition to the white shark, there are 9 species that are at risk of disappearing. Some stand out for their strange physical form while others do so for their untimely character and their little presence in front of human beings.
Angel Shark (Critical Risk)
Daggernose Shark (Critical Risk)
Zebra Shark (Vulnerable)
Mako Shark (Vulnerable)
Basking Shark (Vulnerable)
Dumb Grebe Shark (Critical Risk)
Spear shark (Endangered)
Whale Shark (Vulnerable)
Dusky Shark (Vulnerable)
Faced with this imminent risk of extinction, what actions can we humans take?
Legislation
Although in almost all countries there are no laws that protect this species, in 2011, the United States enacted a law that punishes those who remove the fin or tail of a shark in the ocean, or those who transfer fins to other places.
Education
The media has created a series of myths and falsehoods about this animal, but various civil organizations have broken the trend with programs that explain in detail the life of these ferocious and noble animals.
Activism
The most effective way to achieve this is by not consuming products made from this animal, such as soups, cosmetics, footwear. Another alternative is to inform people about the risk that all these species suffer.
Documentation
Environmentalists and film directors are trying to give the shark a new approach. Remove all the stigmas with which it has lived for so many centuries.
Connection
Thanks to social networks, a large amount of this beautiful aquatic species can be shared.
Selection
It is important that people know the origin of the food they consume, in order to avoid those that are related to the death of sharks.
Protection
On the island of Palau there is a huge reserve that is home to dozens of sharks. Visitors to the place, in addition to learning more about the species, can live with them. If there is the possibility of joining an institution that provides support to these animals, do not hesitate to do so.
With information from Tree Hugger and LA Times.