25% of Atlantic sharks at risk of extinction
Spiny dogfish, porbeagle and angel sharks have become critically endangered due to overfishing, according to a new report from the IUCN.
This first-ever study of sharks in the northeast Atlantic finds that more than a quarter of all shark, ray and chimaera species (collectively known as chondrichthyan fishes) are at risk of extinction. Another 27% lack enough scientific information to assess their populations.
Dogfish and porbeagle are in high demand as delicacies, as are two types of rays known as guitarfish, which are desired for that abomination known as shark-fin soup. Another critically endangered species, the gulper shark, is highly sought after for use in cosmetics.
Also listed as critically endangered are the common and smalltooth sawfish, although they have not been seen in the northeast Atlantic in years and may be extinct in the region.
Few of these species have any legal protections from the nations that surround their habitats.
According to Claudine Gibson, lead author of the report, "Most sharks and rays are exceptionally vulnerable to overfishing because of their tendency to grow slowly, mature late, and produce few young."
Previously in Extinction Blog: Finning continues to devastate shark populations; Mediterranean sharks see 99% decline, now "functionally extinct"
This first-ever study of sharks in the northeast Atlantic finds that more than a quarter of all shark, ray and chimaera species (collectively known as chondrichthyan fishes) are at risk of extinction. Another 27% lack enough scientific information to assess their populations.
Dogfish and porbeagle are in high demand as delicacies, as are two types of rays known as guitarfish, which are desired for that abomination known as shark-fin soup. Another critically endangered species, the gulper shark, is highly sought after for use in cosmetics.
Also listed as critically endangered are the common and smalltooth sawfish, although they have not been seen in the northeast Atlantic in years and may be extinct in the region.
Few of these species have any legal protections from the nations that surround their habitats.
According to Claudine Gibson, lead author of the report, "Most sharks and rays are exceptionally vulnerable to overfishing because of their tendency to grow slowly, mature late, and produce few young."
Previously in Extinction Blog: Finning continues to devastate shark populations; Mediterranean sharks see 99% decline, now "functionally extinct"
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