Global populations of shark and ray species received a dire assessment this week, with scientists reporting catastrophic declines across the board.
According to a recent New York Times report, the world’s shark populations have experienced a cataclysmic contraction over the past 50 years. All told, the human-caused drop has led to a 71% population reduction since 1970.
The article, originally derived from an assessment published in the journal Nature, cites overfishing as the main cause of depopulation.
“Since 1970,” the assessment reads, “the global abundance of oceanic sharks and rays has declined by 71% owing to an 18-fold increase in relative fishing pressure.”
If immediate action is not taken to avert this kill-off, the report says, up to 75% of the world’s shark and ray species are at risk of total extinction. “This depletion has increased the global extinction risk to the point at which three-quarters of the species comprising this functionally important assemblage are threatened with extinction,” the journal states.
Further, the assessment stresses that “strict prohibitions and precautionary science-based catch limits are urgently needed to avert population collapse, avoid the disruption of ecological functions and promote species recovery.”
Following up on the Journal’s dire warnings, the study’s lead author, Marine Biologist Nathan Pacoureau, stressed that time is an incredibly important factor and that changes must be mandated immediately to stave off complete global collapse.
“There is a very small window to save these iconic creatures,” he told The Times. “Action is needed immediately.”
What Can You Do?
Editor’s Note: Worried about the Earth’s marine environments? So are we. Much of the the global shark and ray kill-off stems from dangerous mass-fishing practices.
That said, when buying seafood, try to understand as much about the supply chain as you can. Buy locally whenever possible and support your regional fisheries by purchasing directly from the people making the catch. And of course, refuse products that endorse shark finning in any way, shape or form.
