Sharks are often viewed as ferocious giants of the sea ripping up helpless swimmers, surfers, and boaters. They are indeed predators that occupy the top layer of the marine food chain. On the other hand, human activities exert a key influence on shark survival. The rise in demand for shark products increases pressure on fisheries. Stocks decline and collapse because it is difficult for sharks to breed rapidly enough to maintain population levels, given the long interval between birth and sexual maturity. Major declines in shark stocks have been recorded—some species have been depleted by over 90% over the past 20–30 years with a population decline of 70% not unusual. Other threats include habitat alteration, damage and loss from coastal development, pollution and the impact of fisheries on the seabed and prey species.

Reference : Wikipedia

Designed by Malathip Kriheli