Future of the Environment

Study finds sharks are ‘functionally extinct’ in 20% of reefs observed

This decline has occurred largely due to destructive and unsustainable fishing techniques. Image: REUTERS/Ben Nelms

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Newly caught dogfish sharks are pulled aboard the Ocean Sunset commercial fishing boat in the Pacific Ocean off of Ucluelet, British Columbia June 25, 2012. The Ocean Sunset hunts sharks as well as other fish for their meat and fins. After the fishermen catch them, dogfish sharks are sent to a processing plant, the fins are removed and the body is skinned. The bellies are exported to Germany to be smoked for pub food, and the fins are sent to Asia, where they are used in shark fin soup - a delicacy in Chinese culture. Animal rights advocates criticise the shark fin harvest but others say that eating shark fins is an old cultural tradition. Picture taken June 25, 2012. REUTERS/Ben Nelms (CANADA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ANIMALS FOOD SOCIETY)ATTENTION EDITORS: PICTURE 18 OF 22 FOR PACKAGE 'CANADA'S SHARK FIN SOUP'Search 'shark fin' for all images - GM1E8C6175C01
Overfishing is reducing some shark populations to low levels. Image: REUTERS/Ben Nelms
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Environment and Natural Resource Security The Ocean Restoring ocean life
Extinction is a real threat for many species on land and sea. Image: Statista
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