La shark catch It has become an increasingly debated issue within the field of marine conservation, due to its impact on the biodiversity of our seas. Despite the popular image of sharks as fearsome predators, the truth is that the mass capture of these species is affecting their survival and, by extension, the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.
Millions of sharks are caught worldwide every year., often accidentally or without accurate records. This situation has led to numerous species becoming endangered, triggering reactions among both environmentalists and the scientific community seeking to curb this trend and educate about the importance of preserving these marine creatures.
Industrial fishing: the main threat to sharks
In the waters surrounding the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands There are around 25 different species of sharks, which have inhabited the Earth for more than 450 million yearsAccording to data from organizations like Ecologistas en Acción, the main threat to these animals comes from industrial fishing, which has significantly reduced their populations in recent decades.
The annual catch figures are alarming: it is estimated Between 80 and 100 million sharks are caught each year around the worldMany of these catches, especially bycatch, are barely reflected in official data. This places chondrichthyans (the group that includes sharks, rays, and chimaeras) as the second most threatened marine taxonomic group globally.
Consequences and challenges for conservation
The scientific community insists that Sharks play an essential role as apex predators, regulating the populations of other marine species and maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Their disappearance can trigger trophic imbalances with unpredictable consequences for marine food chains.
However, the general perception of the shark is still marked by the myth of the “human eater”, when the reality is that These creatures hardly pose a risk to people. and, in turn, are under enormous pressure from human activity.
To reverse the situation, environmentalists and experts are calling for the international collaboration, improved catch reporting systems, and the effective implementation of international agreements on sustainable fisheries. Furthermore, environmental literacy and the promotion of a critical approach to marine resource management are considered key steps.
The latest information underscores that, in addition to overfishing, other factors such as climate change could be altering the behavior and distribution patterns of different shark species, highlighting the need to analyze these issues comprehensively.
Pressure on sharks from industrial fishing, bycatch, and the consequences of climate change is creating a critical situation for many species that have inhabited the Earth for hundreds of millions of years. Protecting and sustainably managing the oceans is essential to ensuring their survival and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
