Whale shark FAQ's

Are sharks in danger of extinction?
Sharks breed very slowly; some species take more than 20 years to reach breeding size, and then have only 2 pups every other year. At present we are killing 100 million sharks a year; we are killing sharks faster than they can reproduce. Some scientists estimate that the rate of depletion may be as high as 2% per year for certain species. A few years ago it was thought that if the carnage continued, species which have lasted some 400 million years could vanish within 50 to 100 years. That appears to be overly optimistic; a recent study conducted by Dalhousie University indicated that from 1986, nearly all shark species declined at least 50%, with populations of some approaching collapse. Tiger shark populations plummeted 65%, numbers of while sharks fell 79%, and hammerhead sharks declined 89%. Aerial studies along the coast of South Africa from 1993 to 2001 documented an 83% decline in whale sharks.

Do sharks need protection?
Yes, floating gill nets, often more than 30 miles [50 km] long, drift through the sea trapping every large creature in their path including whales, sea turtles and sharks. Longline fisheries catch huge numbers of sharks, and most are left to rot in the sea. Finning -- cutting the fins off living sharks and then tossing the mutilated creatures back into the sea to die -- takes a heavy toll. The senseless slaughter continues because most people don't realize how important sharks are to the health of the oceans -- and to our planet!

Are whale sharks protected anywhere in the world?
In Australia, Honduras, India, the Maldive Islands, the Philippines and along the eastern coast of the United States whale sharks are protected, and all trade in whale shark products (fins, flesh and skin) is prohibited. South Africa is considering similar legislation. On November 15, 2002, the whale shark and basking shark were placed on Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), a United Nations Treaty Organization. Th Appendix II listing requires the member nations of CITES to monitor international trade in whale shark products and ensure that trade does not threaten survival of the species. The whale shark is also listed on Appendix II of CMS (Convention on Migratory Species, also known as the Bonn Convention). However, whale sharks still fall prey to poachers, particularly in the Philippines and in Mozambique (November 2003).

Why are sharks important?
Sharks are the apex predators in the sea -- they are the top of the ocean food chain. Apex predators prey upon healthy animals and thus ensure diversity and control populations. When apex predators are eliminated from any area an ecological imbalance results. Sharks, as apex predators, maintain the health of the oceans -- 4/5th of the planet's surface -- and an ecological imbalance in the environment spanning 4/5th of the world could cause real problems for the other 1/5th.

How can I help save sharks?
It is because of caring people -- like you -- that we are able to gather data that is needed to secure protection for this species; by joining the Shark Research Institute you are helping to fund basic and long overdue essential research on the species. You can also support other conservation organizations that work to protect marine life. Refuse to buy products made from a shark. For example, avoid restaurants that serve mako shark or shark fin soup, and write to companies that manufacture shark fin soup and express your disapproval. Check with your local library or marine research facility for the latest information about the plight of sharks, and keep yourself, your family and friends informed. Write to your local government officials and ask that sharks be included whenever protection is considered for other marine life.

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