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Tertiary predators of the sea under threat
They outlived the dinosaurs and are the stuff of maritime legend, but now sharks – the tertiary predators of the sea – have found themselves under threat. More than 40% of shark species in the Mediterranean, along with rays, are on the cusp of being wiped out, according to a new report from the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
The first complete Red List assessment of their status has revealed 42% of the species - including the flagship great white - are threatened with extinction. The culprit, somewhat predictably, is mankind: overfishing, including bycatch, is the main cause of decline.
“From devil rays to angel sharks, Mediterranean populations of these vulnerable species are in serious trouble,” said Claudine Gibson, Programme Officer for the IUCN Shark Specialist Group and co-author of the report.
“Our analyses reveal the Mediterranean Sea as one of the world’s most dangerous places on Earth for sharks and rays. Bottom dwelling species appear to be at greatest risk in this region, due mainly to intense fishing of the seabed.”
The report also identifies habitat degradation, recreational fisheries, and other human disturbances as significant threats to the sharks and rays of the Mediterranean. Thirty species were deemed as threatened with extinction, 13 of which are classified at the highest threat level of Critically Endangered. To find out more, click on the thumbnails below.
by Laura Snook, MSN Environment Editor

In pictures: sharks and rays at risk of extinction

Blue shark (click to enlarge)Angel shark (click to enlarge)Giant devil ray (click to enlarge)Sandbar shark (click to enlarge)Shortfin mako (click to enlarge)

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