Shark Population Decline and Conservation Efforts

Anita Cerpovicz
Introduction:
Sharks are an essential part of the ecosystem. They are responsible for maintaining the ocean’s
balance and preventing the explosion of any one species (Cunningham-Day). However, sharks are being
decimated as a result of habitat destruction, loss of prey, and overharvesting. The purpose of this project
was to research the decline of the shark populations, and what conservation efforts are being taken. This
was achieved through research using documentary videos from the Discovery Channel and National
Geographic and research papers found using Galileo. It was found that some shark populations have
been depleted as much as 60-70% (Fairclough). This is being combatted through protective legislation
and research into new technologies to improve the shark-human relationship.
Methodology:
Research into shark conservation was completed online. Different research media were used
including documentary videos and research papers. All of the research obtained was organized and put
into a PowerPoint presentation in order to be presented and turned in. A bibliography page and extended
abstract were also completed to be turned in.
Results and Discussion:
Roughly 100 million sharks are killed annually (Cunningham-Day). The desire for shark
products, mainly their fins, are a main cause of shark population declines. Sharks are k-selected species
meaning they aren’t able to reproduce and repopulate as fast as they’re being killed which results in the
rapid depletion of their populations.
However, protective legislation has been enacted including the United States’ Shark Finning
Prohibition Act of 2000 making it illegal to possess a shark fin in US waters without the corresponding
carcass, and the United States’ Shark Conservation Act of 2010 which states that all sharks caught in US
waters must be brought to shore with all of their fins still attached (“Shark Conservation Act”). The
Chinese government also banned the serving of shark fin soup at all official banquets starting in 2012
(Fairclough).
Research into Australia’s shark problem showed an increase in shark attacks along its western
shoreline. Motivation for these attacks are not completely clear, however research is being done to better
the shark-human interaction. This includes researching new technologies such as new wetsuit and
surfboard designs to deter sharks, shark repellent using electric currents, and artificial kelp forests
(“Australia’s Deadliest Coast”).
Conclusion:
Sharks are an essential part of the marine ecosystem, yet humans are killing them at alarming
rates. The research done on this topic can be used to better our knowledge of these apex predators and
how-to best help protect them. However, more in-depth research is needed to fully understand how to
best help these animals and keep people safe at the same time.
References:
“Australia’s Deadliest Coast.” National Geographic, 2020. nationalgeographic.com/tv/
shows/when-sharks-attack/episode-guide/season-05/episode-08-australias-deadliest-
coast/vdka11583636. Accessed 3 Oct. 2020.
Cunningham-Day, R. (2001). Sharks in Danger: Global Shark Conservation Status with
Reference to Management Plans and Legislation. United States: Universal.
Fairclough, Caty. (2018, May 14). Shark Finning: Sharks Turned Prey. Si.Edu. https://
ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/sharks-rays/shark-finning-sharks-turned-prey
“Shark Conservation Act.” Animal Welfare Institute, 2020, awionline.org/content/shark
conservation-act. Accessed 29 Nov. 2020.