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How to Save Sharks from Extinction?
Current estimates suggest that more than 100 million sharks are slaughtered per year for their meat products, and especially for their fins.
Hence, shark extinction is now becoming a real and imminent threat. So, how can we stop shark finning and what are some easy ways to help protect the species.
How to Stop Shark Finning & Save Sharks?
Shark meat continues to command a high market price. Thus, certain endangered species are being brutally killed almost to disappearance, especially in many parts of Asia.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports 30% of all sharks (around 500 species) face extinction within the very near future.
Despite sharks having a ferocious man-eating reputation as portrayed in the 1975 thriller 'Jaws', in fact shark attacks kill humans less times per year than tiny ants, pig attacks, or lightning strikes.
So why are these majestic carnivorous predators killed so ruthlessly - and in such high numbers? One reason they need conservation is due to the historical past and status symbolism of serving shark fin soup.
Even though the fins are quite tasteless, they are still rated as a delicacy within the Chinese and Asian population and dried shark fin is one of the highest value seafood (by weight).
Here's the thing:
Shark finning is extremely wasteful and some might even call it barbaric. After the fin is cut off, the helpless fish is discarded back into the ocean to die a slow and merciless death.
The global argument for saving sharks rumbles on, and the survival of the species currently rests on the shoulders of a minority of caring animal conservationists and shark lovers.
To help support those who are trying to save and protect them from possible extinction, we highlight some ways that caring individuals and concerned activists can tip the balance in favor of this truly fascinating yet imperiled creature.
Pro Tip: Despite worldwide efforts to stop shark finning, the issue threatens oceanic white-tips, hammerheads, and porbeagles the most.
5 Simple Ways to Protect Sharks
1. Eschew Shark Finning
In 2013 the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) helped to ban finning to protect shark populations in some countries and won the protection of several endangered species.
Shunning the international trade in shark products are helpful and supportive to conservation groups trying to end finning, such as the Ocean Conservancy.
You can help the cause by making a financial donation or by freely signing local governmental and international anti-shark finning petitions.
2. Support and Fortify Shark Conservation Groups
You may be surprised to learn that most sharks are caught by the United States and some of the EU. Supporting legislation and shark conservation groups does not necessarily mean becoming a statesman or lobbyist.
For example, the PADI AWARE Foundation is one of the easiest ways to make your vote count and help maintain healthy shark populations.
Other popular shark conservation groups include:
- Oceana
- Sea Shepherd
- Shark Alliance
- Shark Stewards
- Shark Trust
- Shark Savers
- WildAid
3. Stand Up For Shark Preservation
Shark species are often portrayed by the world's media as bloodthirsty evil creatures that viciously attack humans unprovoked.
Standing up for sharks means not supporting restaurants and stores which trade in shark and ray products. So, let your voice be heard by "action" and take your business elsewhere. Doing so is one of the most positive ways you can help save sharks from extinction!
4. Educate Yourself about Shark Protection
Educating yourself and your friends about shark protection and ocean conservation are important and effective for several reasons.
It's quite easy to join topical discussions. Doing so emphasises your passion about saving the most threatened of the species - and you get to understand why they are worth safeguarding.
Put another way.
Spreading enlightenment and teaching others about different ways to protect sharks from extinction will increase your awareness and enhance your "shark IQ".
5. Avoid Using Shark Products
The fishing industry is fueled by the demand for sharks' meat, leather, liver oil, jaws, and teeth. So, one effective method of showing your support is abstaining from purchasing (and eating) shark products.
Squalene and cartilage is used commercially in beauty products. As a consequence of that, reducing the demand for these commodities will also help to save shark species.
Staggering Shark Facts to Think About?
- Shark meat and fins contain high levels of mercury and carry a health warning according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other environmental protection agencies. Mercury poisoning is horrific.
- Shark meats are often relabeled or hidden in other foods such as fish patties, rock salmon, or pollock. Chondroitin sulfate is a drug supplement used to treat arthritis. The labeling often conceals that in fact it is made from shark cartilage and fins.
- Despite the growing worldwide condemnation of shark slaughter, it's almost certain that selling shark products is legal in your country. Check out the local restaurants or health food stores in your town and you may be shocked by the findings.
- Commercial shark fishing and finning is legal in almost every country, even in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Well over 100 nations are openly trading in shark products without any legislative restrictions and the top 20 shark fishing countries include the US, Spain, Taiwan, Japan, and France.
- Currently, countries which ban shark fishing are Washington, Guam, Hawaii, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Furthermore, forthcoming bans are hopefully due soon in California and Oregon (USA).