Sharks: Shark Finning and its Affect on the Ocean Ecosystems

Final Thoughts

Scientist Understanding

Need for Education

There is not a different scientific approach that could help people, but, I do believe that spreading what has been found to be true about sharks, their role in our ocean environments, and the toxins that they carry due to biomagnification. Knowing this information, will help scientists spread the word and help other organizations and companies help stop these terrible practices.

The problem of shark finning begins with a lack of education. This is a big obstacle but it is one that is starting to be overcome. The more that people know about sharks, the more they are able to understand that certain practices are harmful and need to be stopped. The next obstacle is getting the cooperation of all people. It is hard to have all countries participate in these conservation efforts but with various organizations and the laws that NOAA fisheries have placed, it is becoming easier.

Works Cited:

My opinion

Works Cited:

Carrier, Jeffrey. "Shark." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

http://www.britannica.com/animal/shark

Stopsharkfinning. "What Can You Do to Stop Shark Finning?" Stop Shark Finning. Stop Shark Finning, 04 Nov. 2007. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/help-stop-shark-finning/

Kempster, Ryan. "Why Protect Sharks?" Supportoursharks.com. Ryan Kempster, 2016. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

http://www.supportoursharks.com/en/Conservation/Why_protect_sharks.htm

Mondo, Kiyo, Neil Hammerschlag, Margaret Basile, John Pablo, Sandra A. Banack, and Deborah C. Mash. "Cyanobacterial Neurotoxin β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in Shark Fins." Marine Drugs. MDPI, 21 Feb. 2012. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

http://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/10/2/509/htm

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. "Our History - Sea Shepherd Conservation Society." Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, 2016. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

http://www.seashepherd.org/who-we-are/our-history.html

The PEW Charitable Trusts. "The PEW Charitable Trusts." The PEW Charitable Trusts. The PEW Charitable Trusts, 2016. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/global-shark-conservation

NOAA Fisheries. "NOAA Fisheries." NOAA Fisheries. NOAA, 2016. Web. 13 Apr. 2016.

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/stories/2013/07/7_15_13shark_conservation_us_and_abroad.html

Sharks are one of my favorite animals. Something about their distinct characteristics and their behaviors is so fascinating. Yet, I know that many people have a false perception of these animals and do not like them and are afraid of them. I knew shark finning was an issue, but I didn’t know how popular it was or if there were measures that were stopping it. I think from doing this research, I gained a better knowledge about the issue and a greater passion to help bring awareness to these awful practices and the importance of sharks in our ecosystems.

Pictures:

Wikimedia. Caribbean Reef Shark. Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia, 2012. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/59/Caribbean_reef_shark.jpg

Pixabay. "Shark." Pixabay. Pixabay, 12 Sept. 2015. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2015/12/09/22/19/shark-1085670_960_720.png

Ong, Chris. "Shark Fin Crisis." Vimeo. Vimeo, 2011. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

https://vimeo.com/16811009

Lecher, Colin. "SHARK ATTACKS ON HUMANS VS. HUMAN ATTACKS ON SHARKS [INFOGRAPHIC]." Popular Science. A Bonnier Corporation Company, 2016. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-04/shark-attacks-people-versus-people-attacks-sharks-infographic

"School of Sergeant Majors, Jamaica." Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia, 12 July 2010. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_major_(fish)#/media/File:Sergeant_Major_fish_caribe.JPG

Jonverve. "File:Pewcc-logo.PNG." Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia, 15 Apr. 2009. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pewcc-logo.PNG

Anderson, Julie. "The Journey of a Shark Angel." Blogger. Blogger, 22 Oct. 2011. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

http://sharkangels.blogspot.com/

Wikipedia. "Sea Shepherd Conservation Society." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Apr. 2016. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_Shepherd_Conservation_Society

Wikimedia. "Overfishing." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Apr. 2016. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overfishing

Creative Commons. "Pelagic Fish." Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia, 14 Apr. 2016. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelagic_fish

Creative Commons. "Mercury in Fish." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 8 Mar. 2016. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_in_fish

Kok, Albert. "Tiger Sharks Bahamas." Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia, 12 Jan. 2010. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_shark#/media/File:Tiger_shark.jpg

Geckochasing. "Steve Backshall with Great White Shark." Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia, 1 Nov. 2012. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Backshall#/media/File:Steve_Backshall_with_Great_white_shark.jpg

Grimes, Greg. "Numerous Caribbean Reef Sharks Attracted to a Bait Ball."Wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia, 19 Oct. 2010. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean_reef_shark#/media/File:Carcharhinus_perezi_bahamas_feeding.jpg

StopSharkFinning.net

One particular organization against shark finning is stopsharkfinning.net. Their mission is to raise awareness about the dangers and harmful effects of shark finning. It defines shark finning as the “inhumane practice of hacking off the shark’s fins and throwing its still living body back into the sea” (stopsharkfinning). The sharks are then left to starve to death or drown. Sharks need to keep moving so that oxygen can be extracted from the water and they can breathe, but when they have no way to move, they are not able to breathe and suffer a terrible death. This campaign works to bring awareness to this issue and provides ways in which a person can help to stop this environmental injustice. (stopsharkfinning)

The PEW Charitable Trusts

“Working with government leaders, scientists, fisheries experts, diplomats, and even survivors of shark attacks, Pew works to highlight the plight of sharks from overfishing and to urge countries to take action to conserve them.” (PEW). This organization has taken matters into their own hands and worked internationally to inspire other countries to monitor their high seas fisheries. In doing so, they created shark sanctuaries and continue to advocate for shark conservation.

NOAA Fisheries

Science Behind it

5. Sharks are worth more living than killed

Sharks bring in revenue for tourist attractions such as swimming with sharks. While there is a big company involved with shark fins, the money in revenue from swimming with sharks is greater. (support our sharks)

The United States prohibits shark finning and a law has been in place since 2000. However, in 2010, Congress passed the Shark Conservation Act that requires that all captured sharks in the United States be brought on shore with their fins still attached naturally. To extend internationally, in May of 2013, NOAA Fisheries proposed a similar version of the Shark Conservation Act in which owning or possessing shark fins on board a ship at sea is completely illegal and in violation of those regulations. This act amended the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The Magnuson-Stevens Act monitored fisheries. Combined, the United States has become the leader in the conservation of sharks. NOAA has worked to inspire other counties to conserve sharks and monitor their fisheries to avoid over exploitation of those species. NOAA fisheries safely monitor shark populations through research, restrictions, and working with U.S. fishermen. Through their work, they help to manage the shark populations and inspire other countries to take similar measures. (NOAA)

2. Killing sharks hurts the ecosystem

Sharks are top predators, but they monitor all of the other populations. When studies were conducted, the absence of sharks created a chain reaction that affected not only every animal in the ecosystem but also main corporations that make their profit from these marine animals. (support our sharks)

Despite being incredibly value in the environment, sharks are actually not nutritious at all. Scientists have proven that they carry toxins. They accumulate the toxin cyanobacterial neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). This toxin has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases that cause problems in human health. Therefore, the increased consumption of fish that is high in mercury levels and this toxin levels, the more at risk the consumers are. In addition to these harmful effects, they are important in their environment and there are many organizations that work to help conserve these sharks. (Marine Drugs)

Public Perception

One particular organization has the top reasons that we should conserve and protect sharks. They play a vital role in the ocean and they serve as top predators. They regulate the ecosystem, monitor populations, and take care of the sick and injured animals. They play a complex role and without them, the ocean ecosystem would be completely different. Many people believe that sharks are scary and not necessary. For that reason, they do not understand the problem with overfishing or the reason for why they are necessary. This is a conflict and causes controversy. On the one hand, people have this false belief that sharks are known killers and kill all humans that they cross paths with. But this is far from true. Sharks are an important part of our ecosystem and need to be conserved. This false perception is one obstacle that prevents us from wanting to protect these animals. (support our sharks)

Shark Angels

4. Sharks make sure that their prey are not over-grazing their habitats

Scientists in Hawaii found that tiger sharks helped to keep the sea grass at a healthy level. They monitor the populations and are vital to the working of the ecosystem. (support our sharks)

Sea Shepherds

“The Shark Angels are leading a positive, contagious movement to save sharks – and the oceans. We are a passionate, global community that believes in the power of education, media and local grassroots campaigns. We raise awareness to the critical issues, educate children, change perspectives, and empower and connect advocates to act locally to save sharks and the critical ecosystems they support.” (Shark Angels) It was founded after witnessing a decline in sharks. This sparked a passion to learn more about the issue and take action to make change and save these important animals in our ocean ecosystems. (shark angels)

"Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. Our mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species." (SeaShepherds) This is the organization that we watched a film about and their main mission is education. They work to educate the public about the harmful practices of shark finning and other injustices with marine animals. In doing so, they highlight the importance and necessity of sharks in their environment.

7. Sharks keep our oceans healthy

Sharks eat efficiently and keep other populations at their carrying capacity and not over populated in an area. Sharks are the keystones species that moderates all of these things. Sharks are vital in keeping these populations steady and for ensuring that the ecosystem is thriving. They are the top predators and at the top of the food chain but they work to keep the oceans healthy and productive. (support our sharks)

3. Shark meat is toxic

Biomagnification is a problem that arises in all marine animals but especially greater in the larger animals. Biomagnification is the accumulation of toxins in animal flesh. However, the accumulation is larger in larger animals because they consume more of these toxins. Therefore, as the toxins are increased, the sharks carry more of those toxins. When humans consume the shark fin soup, they are consuming all of those toxins. This puts you at risk for diseases, disorders, and other medical problems. (support our sharks)

1. Overfishing

6. Sharks determine the health of its ecosystem

Sharks are fished at a rate higher than they can reproduce. This means that without conservation, these crucial animals will become extinct. (support our sharks)

The loss of sharks indicate the extent to which the ecosystem is thriving. Sharks, in abundance, reveal that the area is thriving. (support our sharks)

Shark Finning

Sharks!

Shark finning is a big industry that takes its roots from China. Shark fin soup has, unfortunately, been a long standing Chinese cultural practice. It is a sign of social status and was used at social meetings. However, shark fins pose no nutritional value and actually contain harmful chemicals in them. This cultural practice has carried on into restaurants and many people have the option of ordering shark off of the menu. This has lead to an incredibly large industry of shark finning. (Britannica)

Sharks are a complex predatory animal living in all parts of the world. There are hundreds of different types of sharks and they all fill different ecological niches. But despite the great number of sharks, only a small portion of the larger sharks actually are known to have killed humans. Most sharks are completely harmless, yet they receive such a bad name. They are a prized hunting species. Do you know how many we kill every day? (Britannica)

Diet

Shark Finning cont.

Sharks have become well adapted to their surroundings. They feed in groups and migrate around the world based on the seasons. They forage for their food and use their olfactory senses to find the food. They have incredible eyesight in which they can distinguish moving objects by reflection in even low light. Their teeth are also adapted to shearing and sawing. They attack and eat their prey by biting and tearing with a twisting movement to tear off a bite. This sounds scary but it is an adaptation that has allowed them to survive hundreds of years. (Britannica)

Shark Finning is the practice of capturing sharks in the ocean, cutting off the lateral and dorsal fins of sharks and discarding the live bodies back into the ocean to suffer and die. This is a terrible practice and something that should not be allowed. Luckily, environmentalists saw the need for shark conservation and there are now many restaurants around the world that no longer serve shark fin soup. (Britannica)

Interactions with Humans

These creatures though are not everyone’s favorite animals. Sharks are feared by most people, especially the Great white shark. The sharks posed as threats include: great white shark, tiger shark, bull shark, oceanic white tip shark, blue shark, and hammerhead shark. These sharks are involved in attacks and other encounters with humans. These encounters range from shark sightings, contact between a shark and a kayak, surfboard, or other object, sharks involved in nonfatal injuries, or fatal shark bites. The most common reason for shark attacks are because they are hungry, harassed, defending territory, or a mistaken identity. Blood, the kicking in the water, and other vibrations in the water are the key things that sharks confuse with wounded animals. Unfortunately, this results in shark attacks. Because of the few attacks that happen, another terrible thing happens; shark finning. (Britannica)

Sharks: Shark Finning and its Affect on the Ocean Ecosystems

By: Kirsten Polzin