the dinosaurs ruled the earth!
Sharks have survived for so long because they have few natural
enemies. As top predators, they are crucial to the stability of
marine ecosystems. But now many of the world’s 1000 or so species
of sharks, skates and rays are in danger of extinction.
World-wide, more than 100 million sharks are killed annually by
unregulated fisheries. The habitats of many are threatened. Like
most large hunters, sharks are slow growing, reach maturity late
and, unlike bony fishes (which can lay thousands of eggs), produce
too few young to compensate for destruction on such a massive
scale.
Even in Europe, commercial fishing has caused the decline of formerly
abundant species:
- blue shark – six million killed annually in the North Atlantic
- spiny dogfish or ‘rock salmon’ – population halved during the last ten years
- common skate -virtually exterminated from the Irish Sea and southern North
Sea - basking shark, the gentle giant of our coasts – no longer fished, but still
in decline
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Sharks, skates and rays need your help and support NOW if we are to save them, and ensure that they continue to maintain
the balance of the marine environment on which we all depend. By joining the Shark Trust you’ll be adding your voice to the growing number of people becoming |