Is The Porbeagle Shark's Conservation Status Worsening?
The Porbeagle shark is a specimen that can reach impressive dimensions and has even worried a few people during a few encounters. According to ISAF (International Shark Attack File) statistics, which range from 1580 up to 2006, it has been responsible for 4 shark attacks, mostly on divers, of which none were fatal. Despite those facts, an important question has been haunting the Canadian Federal Fisheries recently: Is the Porbeagle shark's conservation status worsening?
In Canada and British waters, the Porbeagle sharks population has been decreasing despite the strict fishing regulations. In fact, according to a recent census of shark population, out of 1000 sharks caught to complete a survey that lasted 6 weeks and ended in mid-July 2007, 95% of the catches were Porbeagle sharks. The final results of the survey estimates the current population of the Porbeagle specie reaches 190,000.
The results have become very important following the catch of a Porbeagle shark that happened in the Canadian coastal waters. In order to avoid its extinction and to deal appropriately with that matter, the Canadian Federal Fisheries needed the most recent results.
While British and European waters have literally decimated the Porbeagle specie due to over fishing in the 1960s, which explains the fact that it is now considered to be on the list of the critically endangered species, Canadian Fisheries needed to make sure that such a sad fate does not happen in Canadian waters.
Although the Porbeagle sharks conservation status is considered to be vulnerable in most parts of the world due to the fact that such a specie is popular in Asia for its fins which are used to make shark fin soup, over fishing changed its conservation status in Canadian waters and added it to the endangered species list.
What is the answer to the question: Is the Porbeagle sharks conservation status worsening? Well, if you considered that it went from a well populated shark specie to being added to the endangered species list since the 1960s I think it would be fair to say that if the Porbeagle shark does not receive any protection from fishing laws and regulations, the Canadian Federal Fisheries will soon face their worse fear, the extinction of the Porbeagle shark specie. Doesnt it make the answer to the question a big, fat YES? Lets take responsibility and take action!
My name is Sylvie Leochko. I am fascinated by sharks, which is why I enjoy sharing my acquired knowledge about them with others. If you wish to learn more about sharks, I invite you to visit this main page of the following site: http://www.sharks.findoutnow.org/related-to-sharks.html
