Causes

of Shark Vulnerability
By: Cameron Martin

The Great White Shark is one of the largest, most dangerous sharks in our ecosystem. But, did you know that the Great White is one of the most vulnerable animals to extinction? In the past 50 years, there has been a 60-95% decline in Great White Shark populations throughout the world. ("Great White Shark Information") The Great White is listed on the IUCN Red list of Threatened species, and in 2004 the Great White was placed on the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora) list for protection. ("Great White Shark Information") Sharks are vulnerable worldwide today. For instance, there are only around 340 mature Great Whites left in the waters off of the Pacific Northwest United States. Of that 340, there are thought to be only 100 breeding females alive. (Blume) Sharks act as an Umbrella Species over the entire ocean. For example, if the shark were to go extinct, the whole marine ecosystem would suffer. Sharks, especially Great Whites, feed off of animals that are not as healthy as others and scavenge others found on the ocean floor. This process cleans up oceans and helps to keep overpopulation in the seas. Sharks, as predators, keep the ray population under control. An example of this is in North Carolina, where without the presence of sharks, Cownose Rays have completely eliminated an entire scallop fishery. (Predators as Prey) Sharks are late to mature and have small liter sizes, so overfishing and bycatching would be potentially devastating to the population. The three main causes of Shark vulnerability are bycatching, building of large resorts and habitats, and illegal trade and hunting. Bycatching is the first main cause of shark vulnerability. Commercial fishermen often will accidently catch sharks when they are fishing for other fish like tuna or swordfish. (Shark Bycatch) One form of bycatching happens on a long line. A long line is a long line of steel cable with many baited hooks attached throughout. These hooks provide an easy meal for the sharks and end up trapping them. Another form of bycatching is through a trawl. A trawl is a

large net that is pulled along a column or seabed. The danger with trawls is that it is an indiscriminant form of fishing, meaning that it will pick up anything that gets in its path, including unwanted sharks. The final form of bycatch is through Gillnets. What happens through this fishing technique is fish swim through an invisible net and when they try to reverse, their gills get caught in the net. Gillnets are a very dangerous contraption for sharks because if they are not dead when they are found, they are usually in a lot of pain and very stressed. (Shark Bycatch) The building of large resorts and Hotels in shark habitats is the second cause for shark vulnerability. It is dangerous not only for the humans visiting, but also for the sharks that live there. Hotels and resorts cause a form of Habitat Destruction and cause shark habitats to be torn to shreds. Resorts and Beach Towns also put up things called Shark Nets that are meant to keep the shark population out of swimming waters. What ends up happening with these nets are sharks get tangled up in them and end up dying a slow and painful death, usually by suffocation. The final important reason for the endangerment of Great White Sharks is excessive trading and illegal hunting. The illegal trade of shark parts is beginning to be a big problem throughout the world. Shark fins, teeth, jaws, and meat are salted and frozen for food products, while shark Cartilage and liver oil can be used for medicinal value. ("Dangers to the Great White Shark.") Shark fins are the most-commonly practiced form of shark-part trading. Finning is the process of cutting off a sharks fin and then throwing the body back into the ocean. Often times, the shark doesnt die immediately when the fin is initially cut off, and ends up dying a slow, painful death on the ocean floor. Ever since shark attacks have gained publicity. The illegal hunting of sharks has gained momentum. Many people hunt for thrill and prestige. An example of this is in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico. Fishermen in Cortez have caught and killed at least 13 grown Great Whites in the past year alone. Many of the fishermen sell the jaws of the Great White to museums and other places for around $1,500. Outside of Mexico, those same jaws go for

anywhere around $10,000 plus. ("Fishing for great white sharks) In conclusion, we cannot sit and watch shark endangerment happen. The shark population of our oceans is dwindling, due to bycatching, the building of large hotels and resorts in shark habitats, and the excessive trade and hunting of the animals for their body parts. Humans kill more than 100 million Sharks a year. (Predators as Prey) If we keep up this dangerous trend, we will kill off the top and one of the most important predators in our ecosystem.