Sharks in dangerJune 07, 2002There are 370 species of shark, each with their own particular habitats and behaviours. Most sharks are slow to reproduce and do not have large numbers of young. They are therefore particularly sensitive to predation or large losses. Caught as accidental by-catch (estimated at 3000 per day), sharks are also fished for their fins (for food), cartilage (for medical purposes) or for sport. They are snared in beach nets and also suffer from destruction of their breeding grounds and nurseries. Despite this, catches are rarely monitored. It is often only the fins that are landed, with the carcasses thrown overboard at sea. Where records are kept, there are rarely distinctions made between different species of shark. In the June issue of Biologist, Rachel Cunningham-Day writes, 'The present system for obtaining [conservation measures] seems less concerned with scientific proof ... than with the public perception of threats and extinctions. Trade data are often under-recorded and will be grossly lacking for rare species ... but these are the very species that must be protected.' | |||||||||||||||||||||
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