Global News - May 2008

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Many sharks 'are at risk of becoming extinct'

Fri 23 May 2008 14:00 UK — North America,Marine Wildlife

A new report has warned that over 50 per cent of oceanic shark species are currently threatened with extinction.

The study, organised by the IUCN Shark Specialist Group (SSG), assessed the threat status of 21 species of oceanic pelagic sharks and rays.

It warned that over fishing was putting many populations at risk and stressed that governments needed to take measures to safeguard stocks.

Overall, the report noted that 16 out of the 21 oceanic shark and ray species caught in high seas fisheries currently face a heightened risk of extinction. In particular, it said that a growing demand for shark fin soup, driven by rapidly growing Asian economies, was causing unsustainable fishing.

"Fishery managers and regional, national and international officials have the opportunity and the obligation to halt and reverse the rate of loss of biodiversity and ensure sharks and rays are exploited sustainably," commented lead author Nicholas Dulvy.

"The current rate of biodiversity loss is ten to a hundred times greater than historic extinction rates, and as humans make increasing use of ocean resources it is possible that many more aquatic species, particularly sharks, are coming under threat."

"This does not have to be an inevitability. With sufficient public support and resulting political will, we can turn the tide."

The report also noted that sharks and rays were particularly prone to extinction, as they take many years to become sexually mature and have relatively few offspring.

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