Developments in Shark Conservation

Although many photogenic animals often feature in the headlines when it comes to publicising work with animal conservation campaigns, other less media-friendly animals are also the focus of conservation efforts. Nowhere is this more evident than in the recent developments for the field of shark conservation. Although they are more likely to be reviled as savage predators of the sea due to popular movies such as 'Jaws' and newspaper reports eager to print stories concerning attacks on surfers and the latest tourist scares, sharks are gaining a newfound acceptance for their ecological role, and recent conservation measures have only served to reinforce this attitude.

Unintended Consequences

It is a strange fact that - despite their depiction as merciless killing machines in the media - humanity is far more dangerous to the shark species than the other way around. More than 70 million sharks are killed every year for their fins, which end up as an ingredient in soups. If the current rate of death continues, nearly a third of all shark species on the planet may soon be faced with extinction. As those conducting work with animal researchers have hypothesised, the loss of these predators would have an incredible impact all the way down the ocean's food chain.

Pioneering Measures

There are growing restrictions being implemented by several different governments to prevent finning - the practice of cutting the fin off a shark, and leaving the creature to die from blood loss - and increasingly, to prevent shark fishing itself. The government of Mexico recently announced that it would ban all shark and stingray fishing beginning in 2012, affecting Mexico's exclusive fishing zones in the Pacific Ocean and in the Gulf of Mexico. This work with animal protection legislation is predicted to have a 'knock-on' effect for other countries. Several island nations such as Micronesia, Palau, and the Maldives have already created shark sanctuaries, and there is hope that Colombia and the Galapagos islands will follow suit, creating a 'protective corridor' for shark populations.

American Influence

While the United States has not yet banned shark fishing, it has banned shark finning since the year 2000. In January 2011, President Obama signed a law requiring that sharks be brought to port intact and with their fins in place. Several states, such as Washington, California, and Hawaii have also banned the sale of shark fins. Those who work with animal conservation groups have recognised these steps as the beginning of new efforts to keep the ocean's natural balance in place, along with its top predator.

Kathryn Noakes is the Sales Executive for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on holidays where you can work with animal projects and other wildlife conservation holidays for adults.

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