Deep Water Sharks, Rays Under Threats: One in Seven Species Can Suffer From Extinction

Researchers warn of potential threats to deepwater sharks and rays, including overfishing, incidental bycatch, and fishing for oil. According to a recent report, one in seven species can likely suffer from the brink of extinction.

The deep sea is still unexplored, indicating that there are many unknown species underwater. Researchers have been finding ways to unearth more species, especially marine animals, requiring urgent conservation efforts.

In a report, researchers discovered that one in seven species of rays and sharks could lead to extinction problems based on eight-year-old research. Understanding the possible threats to deep-sea species is crucial to saving them from population decline amid a warming trend and climate change effects.

Deep Water Sharks, Rays Under Threats

In the latest NWN report, scientists warned of the potential decline of the white shark population in Africa. The findings were published in the Ecological Indicators journal. The researchers emphasized the need for a precautionary approach to ensure an effective conservation effort in the region amidst the following threats:

• Fishing gear entanglement
• Pollution
• Climate change
• Bycatch by commercial fisheries

"About half of the world's sharks are found below 200 meters, below where the sunlight reaches into the ocean. The first time they see sunlight is when they're hauled onto the deck of a fishing boat," Nicholas Dulvy, SFU Professor of Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, said, as quoted in an SFU News report.

The research findings were published in Science. The report highlighted that deepwater sharks and rays are sensitive to overexploitation. The said species suffered from bycatch and overfishing and became a target of the liver oil trade.

"Many deepwater sharks and rays can only withstand very small amounts of fishing pressure. Some species may take 30 years or more to mature, and possibly up to 150 years in the case of the Greenland Shark, and only produce 12 pups throughout their entire life," Dulvy said in the same report.

The eight-year study analyzed over 500 shark and ray species. In the analysis, they raised concerns about the potential risk of the decline of 60 species, exacerbated by overfishing. Deep ocean sharks have become targets for liver oil, affecting their population.

Researchers emphasized the need for spatial fishing activity and developing effective conservation efforts. The mitigation and regulation of bycatch will be crucial to preventing species from declining. Notably, the deep ocean has complex ecosystems and is challenging to monitor.

Also Read: Plastic Debris in Marine Animals Can Likely Harm Humans, Study Warns

Microplastics in Apex Predators and Sharks

Plastic pollution has been a pressing environmental concern, affecting communities and wildlife. The increasing plastic production can threaten the habitats of many animals, including in the oceans.

In the latest report, researchers discovered the presence of microplastics and cellulose-based fibers in sharks. The report was published in the Chemosphere journal. 

Related Article: Microplastic Particles Found Inside the Bodies of Whales and Dolphins

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