1

Balancing Marine Ecosystems:

The Crucial Role of Sharks & the
Need for Their Protection

Amay Patel

 2

Contents

I. Abstract - p.3

II. Threats to Shark Populations - p.3

1. Over shing and Unsustainable Fishing Practices - p.3

2. Bycatch and Shark Finning- p.3

3. Habitat Degradation and Climate Change - p.4

III. Implementing E ective Shark Conservation Strategies - p.5

1. Improving Fishing Practices and Bycatch Reduction - p.5

2. Enhancing Awareness and Education for Shark Conservation - p.5

3. Strengthening International Cooperation and Policy Frameworks - p.5

IV. Stern Implementation of Strategies Can E ectively Lead to Reduction in Threats of Shark

Populations - p.6

1. Conservation and Management Measures - p.6

2. Bycatch Reduction Measures - p.6

3. Protection of Critical Habitats and Addressing Climate Change Impacts - p.6

4. Regulations and Bans on Shark Finning - p.7

5. Importance of Awareness and Education - p.7

V. Conclusion - p.7

VI. References - p.9


Figures

• Figure-1 - p.4

• Figure-2 - p.7
fi
ff
ff
 3

Abstract

Sharks have existed on Earth for more than 400 million years, as majestic and
misunderstood creatures of the deep, play a crucial role in maintaining the health and
balance of marine ecosystems (Kessel et al., 2020). As apex predators, they regulate
populations of various marine species, ensuring ecological balance and biodiversity.
Additionally, sharks provide essential ecological services such as nutrient cycling and
disease control. However, the global shark population is facing numerous threats,
including over shing, bycatch, habitat degradation, shark nning, and the impacts of
climate change. This report emphasizes the signi cance of conservation e orts to
ensure the survival of these magni cent creatures and the health of our oceans.

E orts to protect sharks and their habitats have gained momentum in recent years.
International organizations, governments, and conservation groups have recognized
the importance of safeguarding these apex predators. Implementing and enforcing
shing regulations and marine protected areas have become essential steps toward
preserving shark populations. The establishment of marine reserves, where shing
activities are restricted or prohibited, can create safe havens for sharks to thrive and
reproduce. Also, raising public awareness about the importance of sharks is crucial in
changing the negative perception and promoting their conservation.

Threats to Shark Populations

Over shing and Unsustainable Fishing Practices

Shark populations are facing signi cant threats that jeopardize their survival. As seen in
Figure 1, there is a serious decline in the population of all shark species since the
1970s. The primary threats to shark populations are over shing and unsustainable
shing practices (Worm et al., 2013). Sharks are often targeted for their meat, ns, liver
oil, and cartilage. The demand for shark products drives over shing, resulting in
population declines and ecosystem disruption. Unsustainable shing practices, such
as long-lining and gillnetting, have high bycatch rates, leading to the incidental capture
and mortality of sharks. As a result, the population of sharks has signi cantly declined
over the years. According to a study conducted by Worm et al. (2013), global catches
of sharks have declined by 20% over the last decade. In addition, the study revealed
that some shark populations have declined by over 90% in the last century (refer to
Figure 1). Despite their ecological importance, shark populations are still facing
signi cant threats that endanger their survival. E orts are being made to protect sharks
from over shing and unsustainable shing practices. However, more needs to be done
to ensure that these e orts are successful in protecting sharks and their habitat.

Bycatch and Shark Finning

fi
fi
ff
fi
fi
fi
fi
ff
fi
fi
fi
ff
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
ff
fi
fi
 4

Sharks frequently
become victims of
bycatch, where they
are unintentionally
caught in shing gear
targeting other
species. This issue is
particularly prevalent
in commercial shing
operations that target
tunas, sword sh, and
other high-value
species. Bycatch
mortality rates for
sharks are alarmingly
high and signi cantly
contribute to their
population decline.

Shark nning, the

practice of removing
shark ns and
Figure 1 — The decline of shark population since 1970. (Bailsharks.com)
discarding the
remainder of the body
at sea, also has a
devastating impact on
shark populations. The demand for shark ns, driven by the shark n trade, fuels this
unsustainable practice, resulting in the killing of 70 to 100 million sharks annually solely
for their ns (Crawford, Dean - 2008).

Habitat Degradation and Climate Change

Human activities, including coastal development, pollution, and destructive shing
practices, contribute to the degradation and loss of shark habitats. Destruction of
critical habitats such as coral reefs and mangroves disrupts the ecological balance and
reduces the availability of suitable environments for sharks to thrive.

In addition, Climate change also poses a signi cant threat to sharks and their habitats.
Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidi cation, and changes in prey distribution can
disrupt the behavior, reproduction, and migratory patterns of sharks. These changes
have cascading e ects on the availability of food resources, reproductive success, and
overall population dynamics of sharks

fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
ff
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
 5

Implementing E ective Shark Conservation

Strategies

Improving Fishing Practices and Bycatch Reduction

One key aspect of e ective shark conservation strategies is promoting sustainable
shing practices and reducing bycatch. This can be achieved through various means,
such as implementing shing gear modi cations, promoting the use of circle hooks,
and employing shark repellents. These measures help minimize unintentional shark
captures and reduce the mortality rate associated with bycatch. One way to make sure
these changes are quickly implemented is by providing incentives and subsidies on the
purchase of these goods. In addition to an external stimulant like this to achieve a
result in the short term, supporting research and development of innovative shing
technologies can also contribute to the implementation of more e ective and
sustainable shing practices over a longer period of time.

Enhancing Awareness and Education for Shark

Conservation
Another important component of successful shark conservation strategies is enhancing
awareness and education among various stakeholders. This includes educating
shermen, coastal communities, consumers, and the general public about the
ecological importance of sharks and the threats they face. By dispelling myths and
misconceptions surrounding sharks and highlighting their crucial role in maintaining
marine ecosystems, it becomes easier to generate public support and encourage
behavioral changes that contribute to shark conservation e orts. Awareness
campaigns, educational programs, and collaborations with schools, NGOs, and media
outlets can be valuable tools for achieving this objective.

Strengthening International Cooperation and Policy

Frameworks
Shark conservation is a global issue that requires international cooperation and the
development of comprehensive policy frameworks. Collaborative e orts among
governments, conservation organizations, researchers, and shing communities are
essential to address the long-lasting e ect on the transboundary nature of shark
conservation and e ectively manage shark populations. Establishing international
agreements, such as regional sheries management organizations, can facilitate the
fi
fi
fi
ff
ff
fi
fi
ff
ff
fi
ff
fi
ff
ff
fi
 6

coordination of conservation measures, data sharing, and enforcement of regulations

across di erent jurisdictions. Furthermore, penalization for breaking the rules and
regulations can also be another way to support the enforcement of policies. Supporting
the development of science-based policies and guidelines, backed by robust research
and monitoring e orts is crucial for the long-term success of shark conservation.

Stern Implementation of Strategies can

E ectively Lead to a Reduction in Threats
to Shark Population

Conservation and Management Measures

To protect shark populations and ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems,
several solutions and strategies are necessary (Dulvy et al., 2017). Implementing and
enforcing strict regulations on shark shing, including catch limits, size restrictions, and
seasonal closures, is crucial for sustainable shark populations. Collaborative e orts
among governments, conservation organizations, and shing communities can help
develop e ective management plans and reduce over shing (Dulvy et al., 2017).

Bycatch Reduction Measures

Technological advancements in shing gear, such as the use of circle hooks, shark
repellents, and modi ed nets, have shown promising results in reducing shark bycatch.
Promoting the adoption of these methods and incentivizing shers to use sustainable
practices can help minimize unintended shark capture.

Protection of Critical Habitats and Addressing Climate

Change Impacts
Conservation e orts should focus on the protection and restoration of critical habitats,
such as coral reeds, mangroves, and seagrass beds. Establishing marine protected
areas and implementing sustainable coastal development practices are essential for
safeguarding shark habitats and ensuring their long-term survival.

Mitigating the impacts of climate change is crucial for the long-term survival of sharks.
Implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promoting
sustainable practices that minimize human contributions to climate change can help
safeguard shark populations and their habitats.

ff
ff
ff
ff
ff
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
ff
 7

Regulations and Bans on

Shark Finning
Strict regulations and international bans
on shark ning, along with initiatives to
reduce the demand for shark n
products, are necessary to curb this
unsustainable practice (Clarke et al.,
2006). Education and awareness
campaigns can help dispel myths and
cultural beliefs surrounding shark n
consumption, promoting more
sustainable alternatives.

Importance of Awareness Figure 2 - 90 sharks get killed for 1 dish, is it

worth eating that dish? (Dickson-Smith,
Deborah - 2014)
and Education
Awareness and education campaigns are
crucial for promoting shark conservation
and dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding sharks (Jacobsen et al., 2016).
Educating shermen, consumers, and the general public about the ecological
signi cance of sharks and their role in maintaining marine ecosystems can help reduce
the demand for shark products and increase public support for shark conservation
e orts. Furthermore, educating shermen on sustainable shing practices and bycatch
reduction methods can help minimize the impact of shing on shark populations and
promote more sustainable shing practices.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, sharks play a crucial role in balancing marine ecosystems and maintaining
biodiversity. As apex predators, they regulate marine populations and help maintain the
ecological balance within the food chain. Additionally, sharks provide essential
ecological services and contribute to the overall health and stability of marine
ecosystems. However, with numerous threats, including over shing, bycatch and
habitat degradation, it is imperative to implement conservation measures, reduce
shing pressure, protect critical habitats, ban shark nning, and address climate
fi
ff
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
 8

change impacts. The conservation of sharks is not only vital for their survival but also
crucial for the overall health and resilience of marine ecosystems.

 9

References

Author links open overlay panelNicholas K. Dulvy 1, et al. “Challenges and Priorities in
Shark and Ray Conservation.” Current Biology, Cell Press, 6 June 2017,
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982217304827.

Clarke SC; McAllister MK; Milner-Gulland EJ; Kirkwood GP; Michielsens CG; Agnew
DJ; Pikitch EK; Nakano H; Shivji MS; “Global Estimates of Shark Catches Using Trade
Records from Commercial Markets.” Ecology Letters, U.S. National Library of
Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16972875/.

Crawford, Dean. Shark. Reaktion Books, 2008.

Dickson-Smith, Deborah. “Let’s Talk about Sharks... in a Good Way.” Diveplanit, 2 Dec.
2014, www.diveplanit.com/marine-environment/lets-talk-sharks-good-way/.

Dulvy, Nicholas K, et al. “Extinction Risk and Conservation of the World’s Sharks and
Rays.” eLife, eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd, 21 Jan. 2014, elifesciences.org/articles/
00590.

Estes JA; Terborgh J; Brashares JS; Power ME; Berger J; Bond WJ; Carpenter SR;
Essington TE; Holt RD; Jackson JB; Marquis RJ; Oksanen L; Oksanen T; Paine RT;
Pikitch EK; Ripple WJ; Sandin SA; Sche er M; Schoener TW; Shurin JB; Sinclair AR;
Soulé ME; Virtanen R; Wardle DA; “Trophic Downgrading of Planet Earth.” Science
(New York, N.Y.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
21764740/.

Exploring the Decline of the Great White Shark Population, balisharks.com/exploring-

the-decline-of-the-great-white-shark-population-a-history-of-conservation-e orts/.

Global Catches, Exploitation Rates, and Rebuilding Options for Sharks,

wormlab.biology.dal.ca/publication/view/worm-etal-2013-global-catches-exploitation-
rates-and-rebuilding-options-for-sharks/?source=post_page---------------------------.

McDermott-Murphy, Caitlin. “So You Learned Everything You Know about Sharks from
a Movie?” Harvard Gazette, 9 Sept. 2022, news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2022/09/so-
you-learned-everything-you-know-about-sharks-from-scary-movie/.

ff
ff
 10

Shi man, David S, et al. “The Role and Value of Science in Shark Conservation
Advocacy.” Scienti c Reports, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 17 Aug. 2021,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8370980/.

Steneck, Robert S. “Apex Predators and Trophic Cascades in Large Marine

Ecosystems: Learning from Serendipity.” Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences of the United States of America, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 22 May
2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3361373/.

ff
fi