Sharks Under Attack

“Sharks have roamed the ocean for 400 million years – since before the dinosaurs. But now these amazing animals are facing a real threat to their survival.

“Every day, 250,000 sharks are pulled out of the ocean and killed for their fins, meat, liver oil or as bycatch when they are accidentally caught in fishing nets. All told, humans slaughter more than 100 million sharks every year. And that doesn’t count the unknowable numbers of sharks killed by habitat destruction and catastrophes like the BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster.

“Our species is pushing many of these ancient creatures closer and closer to extinction. And if people like you and me don’t turn it around soon, some shark species may even disappear – forever – in our lifetimes.

“Despite their fierce image, sharks are among the most biologically vulnerable creatures in the ocean. Many sharks grow slowly, mature late and bear few young. These traits make them less able to survive the pace at which they are being killed.

“Recent estimates suggest that populations of large sharks have declined regionally by 90 percent or more.

“As a voice for the ocean, Ocean Conservancy is calling for action to save sharks before it’s too late. We’re pushing for tougher protections for these animals.

“After 400 million years, I am not willing to allow our generation to be the one that fails to act to protect these captivating and amazing sea creatures.”

For additional information, please visit: OceanConservancy.org