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Balancing Marine Ecosystems:

The Crucial Role of Sharks & the
Need for Their Protection

Figure 1 — Beautiful picture of a shark swimming in the coral reef of the Bahamas. (The

Harvard Gazette)

Amay Patel

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Contents

I. Abstract - p.3

II. Importance of Sharks in Marine Ecosystems - p.4

1. Role of Apex Predators and Regulators of Marine Populations - p.4

2. Impact on Maintaining Ecological Balance and Biodiversity - p.4

3. Ecological Services Provided by Sharks - p.5

III. Threats to Shark Populations - p.36

1. Over shing and Unsustainable Fishing Practices - p.36

2. Bycatch and Shark FinningIncidental Capture - p.47

3. Habitat Degradation and Climate Change Loss - p.47

4. Shark Finning and the Fin Trade - p.7

5. Climate Change and its Impact on Sharks - p.8

IV. Implementing E ective Shark Conservation Strategies - p.4

1. Improving Fishing Practices and Bycatch Reduction - p.4

2. Enhancing Awareness and Education for Shark Conservation - p.5

3. Strengthening International Cooperation and Policy Frameworks -p.5

V. Solutions for Shark ConservationStern Implementation of Strategies can E ectively Lead to

Reduction in Threats of Shark Populations - p.68

1. Conservation and Management Measures - p.68

2. Bycatch Reduction Measures - p.68

3. Protection of Critical Habitats and Addressing Climate Change Impacts - p.69

4. Regulations and Bans on Shark Finning - p.69

5. Addressing Climate Change Impacts - p.10

6. Importance of Awareness and Education - p.710

VI. Conclusion - p.710

VII. References - p.812

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Figures

• Figure-1 - p.31

• Figure-23 - p.43

• Figure-2 - p.6

• Figure-4 - p.9

Abstract

Sharks have existed on Earth for more than 400 million years, as majestic and
misunderstood creatures of the deep, play a crucial role in maintaining the health and
balance of marine ecosystems (Kessel et al., 2020). As apex predators, they regulate
populations of various marine species, ensuring ecological balance and biodiversity.
Additionally, sharks provide essential ecological services such as nutrient cycling and
disease control. However, the global shark population is facing numerous threats,
including over shing, bycatch, habitat degradation, shark nning, and the impacts of
climate change. This report emphasizes the signi cance of conservation e orts to
ensure the survival of these magni cent creatures and the health of our oceans.

E orts to protect sharks and their habitats have gained momentum in recent years.
International organizations, governments, and conservation groups have recognized
the importance of safeguarding these apex predators. Implementing and enforcing
shing regulations and marine protected areas have become essential steps toward
preserving shark populations. The establishment of marine reserves, where shing
activities are restricted or prohibited, can create safe havens for sharks to thrive and
reproduce. Also, raising public awareness about the importance of sharks is crucial in
changing the negative perception and promoting their conservation.

Importance of Sharks in Marine

Ecosystems

Role of Apex Predators and Regulators of Marine

Populations
Sharks, as apex predators, play a vital role in marine ecosystems. Their
presence helps maintain ecological balance and biodiversity through various
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mechanisms. Sharks occupy the top position in the marine food chain, regulating the
populations of their prey species (Estes et al., 2011). By controlling the abundance of
lower trophic level organisms, sharks help prevent the overpopulation of certain
species, which can have cascading e ects throughout the ecosystem. This regulatory
role helps maintain the overall health and stability of marine populations.

Impact on Maintaining Ecological Balance and

Biodiversity
Sharks contribute signi cantly to the maintenance of ecological balance and
biodiversity in marine ecosystems. Through their role as apex predators, they control
the populations of mesopredators, which are species that occupy intermediate
positions in the food chain (Ro et al., 2016). By keeping mesopredator populations in
check, sharks prevent them from becoming too abundant and out-competing other
species lower down the food chain. This regulation is crucial for promoting species
diversity and ensuring a more balanced ecosystem. Moreover, the presence of sharks
plays a vital role in maintaining the structure and function of coral reef ecosystems.
Coral reefs are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth,
supporting an incredible array of marine life. However, herbivorous species, such as
certain sh and invertebrates, can sometimes pose a threat to coral reefs if their
populations become too dense. Sharks help control these herbivorous species by
preying on them, thus preventing overgrazing and ensuring the health and vitality of
coral reef habitats (Ro et al., 2016). By regulating herbivore populations, sharks
indirectly protect coral reefs from excessive damage and contribute to the overall
stability of these fragile ecosystems. The balance maintained by the presence of sharks
in coral reef ecosystems not only safeguards the survival of diverse marine species but
also helps to mitigate the negative impacts of other stressors such as pollution and
climate change.

Furthermore, sharks play an important role in nutrient cycling within marine

ecosystems. As apex predators, they consume a wide range of prey species, including
sick or weak individuals. By removing these individuals from the population, sharks
enhance the overall health and resilience of the ecosystem. Additionally, when sharks
feed, they often consume only certain parts of their prey, leaving behind carcasses or
leftovers that provide valuable food sources for scavengers and other organisms, thus
promoting a more e cient and sustainable use of resources (Ro et al., 2016).

Ecological Services Provided by Sharks

Apart from population regulation, sharks provide several ecological services that
are crucial for the functioning of marine ecosystems. For instance, the scavenging
behavior of some shark species helps clean up the ocean by consuming dead or dying
animals. This prevents the accumulation of organic matter, which can lead to harmful
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algal blooms and oxygen depletion. Furthermore, shark feces contribute to nutrient
cycling, enhancing primary productivity in marine environments.

Threats to Shark Populations

Over shing and Unsustainable Fishing Practices

Shark populations are facing signi cant threats that jeopardize their survival. As
seen in Figure 1, there is a serious decline in the population of all shark species since
the 1970s. The primary threats to shark populations are over shing and unsustainable
shing practices (Worm et al., 2013). Sharks are often targeted for their meat, ns, liver
oil, and cartilage.
The demand for
shark products
drives over shing,
resulting in
population declines
and ecosystem
disruption.
Unsustainable
shing practices,
such as long-lining
and gillnetting,
have high bycatch
rates, leading to
the incidental
capture and
mortality of sharks.
As a result, the
population of
sharks has
signi cantly
declined over the Figure 1 — The decline of shark population since 1970. (Bailsharks.com)
years. According to
a study conducted
by Worm et al.
(2013), global catches of sharks have declined by 20% over the last decade. In
addition, the study revealed that some shark populations have declined by over 90% in
the last century (refer to Figure 1). Despite their ecological importance, shark
populations are still facing signi cant threats that endanger their survival. E orts are
being made to protect sharks from over shing and unsustainable shing practices.
However, more needs to be done to ensure that these e orts are successful in
protecting sharks and their habitat.

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Bycatch and Shark Finning Incidental Capture

Sharks frequently become victims of bycatch, where they are unintentionally
caught in shing gear targeting other species. This issue is particularly prevalent in
commercial shing operations that target tunas, sword sh, and other high-value
species. Bycatch mortality rates for sharks are alarmingly high and signi cantly
contribute to their population decline.

Shark nning, the practice of removing shark ns and discarding the remainder of the
body at sea, also has a devastating impact on shark populations. The demand for
shark ns, driven by the shark n trade, fuels this unsustainable practice, resulting in
the killing of 70 to 100 million sharks annually solely for their ns (Crawford, Dean -
2008).

Habitat Degradation and Climate Change Loss

Human activities, including coastal development, pollution, and destructive

shing practices, contribute to the degradation and loss of shark habitats. Destruction
of critical habitats such as coral reefs and mangroves disrupts the ecological balance
and reduces the availability of suitable environments for sharks to thrive.

In addition, Climate change also poses a signi cant threat to sharks and their habitats.
Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidi cation, and changes in prey distribution can
disrupt the behavior, reproduction, and migratory patterns of sharks. These changes
have cascading e ects on the availability of food resources, reproductive success, and
overall population dynamics of sharks

Shark Finning and the Fin Trade

Shark nning, the practice of removing shark ns and discarding the remainder
of the body at sea, has a devastating impact on shark populations. The demand for
shark ns, driven by the shark n trade, fuels this unsustainable practice, resulting in
the killing of 70 to 100 million sharks annually solely for their ns (Crawford, Dean -
2008).

Climate Change and Its Impact on Sharks

Climate change poses a signi cant threat to sharks and their habitats. Rising
sea temperatures, ocean acidi cation, and changes in prey distribution can disrupt the
behavior, reproduction, and migratory patterns of sharks. These changes have
cascading e ects on the availability of food resources, reproductive success, and
overall population dynamics of sharks.

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Implementing E ective Shark Conservation

Strategies

Improving Fishing Practices and Bycatch Reduction

One key aspect of e ective shark conservation strategies is promoting sustainable
shing practices and reducing bycatch. This can be achieved through various means,
such as implementing shing gear modi cations, promoting the use of circle hooks,
and employing shark repellents. These measures help minimize unintentional shark
captures and reduce the mortality rate associated with bycatch. One way to make sure
these changes are quickly implemented is by providing incentives and subsidies on the
purchase of these goods. In addition to an external stimulant like this to achieve a
result in the short term, supporting research and development of innovative shing
technologies can also contribute to the implementation of more e ective and
sustainable shing practices over a longer period of time.

Enhancing Awareness and Education for Shark

Conservation
Another important component of successful shark conservation strategies is enhancing
awareness and education among various stakeholders. This includes educating
shermen, coastal communities, consumers, and the general public about the
ecological importance of sharks and the threats they face. By dispelling myths and
misconceptions surrounding sharks and highlighting their crucial role in maintaining
marine ecosystems, it becomes easier to generate public support and encourage
behavioral changes that contribute to shark conservation e orts. Awareness
campaigns, educational programs, and collaborations with schools, NGOs, and media
outlets can be valuable tools for achieving this objective.

Strengthening International Cooperation and Policy

Frameworks
Shark conservation is a global issue that requires international cooperation and the
development of comprehensive policy frameworks. Collaborative e orts among
governments, conservation organizations, researchers, and shing communities are
essential to address the long-lasting e ect on the transboundary nature of shark
conservation and e ectively manage shark populations. Establishing international
agreements, such as regional sheries management organizations, can facilitate the
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coordination of conservation measures, data sharing, and enforcement of regulations

across di erent jurisdictions. Furthermore, penalization for breaking the rules and
regulations can also be another way to support the enforcement of policies. Supporting
the development of science-based policies and guidelines, backed by robust research
and monitoring e orts is crucial for the long-term success of shark conservation.

Solutions for Shark ConservationStern

Implementation of Strategies can
E ectively Lead to a Reduction in Threats
to Shark Population

Conservation and Management Measures

To protect shark populations and ensure the long-term health of marine
ecosystems, several solutions and strategies are necessary (Dulvy et al., 2017).
Implementing and enforcing strict regulations on shark shing, including catch limits,
size restrictions, and seasonal closures, is crucial for sustainable shark populations.
Collaborative e orts among governments, conservation organizations, and shing
communities can help develop e ective management plans and reduce over shing
(Dulvy et al., 2017).

Bycatch Reduction Measures

Technological advancements in shing gear, such as the use of circle hooks,
shark repellents, and modi ed nets, have shown promising results in reducing shark
bycatch. Promoting the adoption of these methods and incentivizing shers to use
sustainable practices can help minimize unintended shark capture.

Protection of Critical Habitats and Addressing Climate

Change Impacts
Conservation e orts should focus on the protection and restoration of critical
habitats, such as coral reeds, mangroves, and seagrass beds. Establishing marine
protected areas and implementing sustainable coastal development practices are
essential for safeguarding shark habitats and ensuring their long-term survival.

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Mitigating the impacts of climate change is crucial for the long-term survival of sharks.
Implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promoting
sustainable practices that minimize human contributions to climate change can help
safeguard shark populations and their habitats.

Regulations and Bans on Shark Finning

Strict regulations and international
bans on shark ning, along with
initiatives to reduce the demand for
shark n products, are necessary to curb
this unsustainable practice (Clarke et al.,
2006). Education and awareness
campaigns can help dispel myths and
cultural beliefs surrounding shark n
consumption, promoting more
sustainable alternatives.

Figure 4 — 90 sharks get killed for 1 dish, is

it worth eating that dish if 90 sharks have to
die to ll one stomach? It should be banned
everywhere (Dickson-Smith, Deborah - 2014)

Addressing Climate

Change Impacts
Mitigating the impacts of climate Figure 2 - 90 sharks get killed for 1 dish, is it
change is crucial for the long-term worth eating that dish? (Dickson-Smith, Deborah
survival of sharks. Implementing - 2014)
measures to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and promoting sustainable
practices that minimize human
contributions to climate change can help
safeguard shark populations and their habitats.

Importance of Awareness and Education

Awareness and education campaigns are crucial for promoting shark
conservation and dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding sharks (Jacobsen
et al., 2016). Educating shermen, consumers, and the general public about the
ecological signi cance of sharks and their role in maintaining marine ecosystems can
help reduce the demand for shark products and increase public support for shark
conservation e orts. Furthermore, educating shermen on sustainable shing practices
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and bycatch reduction methods can help minimize the impact of shing on shark
populations and promote more sustainable shing practices.

Conclusion

In a nutshell,In conclusion, sharks play a crucial role in balancing marine

ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity. As apex predators, they regulate marine
populations and help maintain the ecological balance within the food chain.
Additionally, sharks provide essential ecological services and contribute to the overall
health and stability of marine ecosystems. However, with numerous threats, including
over shing, bycatch, and habitat degradation, sharks, and ensuring the sustainability
of marine ecosystems, it is imperative to implement conservation measures, reduce
shing pressure, protect critical habitats, ban shark nning, and address climate
change impacts. The conservation of sharks is not only vital for their survival but also
crucial for the overall health and resilience of marine ecosystems.

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References

Author links open overlay panelNicholas K. Dulvy 1, et al. “Challenges and Priorities in
Shark and Ray Conservation.” Current Biology, Cell Press, 6 June 2017,
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DJ; Pikitch EK; Nakano H; Shivji MS; “Global Estimates of Shark Catches Using Trade
Records from Commercial Markets.” Ecology Letters, U.S. National Library of
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Crawford, Dean. Shark. Reaktion Books, 2008.

Dickson-Smith, Deborah. “Let’s Talk about Sharks... in a Good Way.” Diveplanit, 2 Dec.
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Dulvy, Nicholas K, et al. “Extinction Risk and Conservation of the World’s Sharks and
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