Potential Decline of White Shark in Africa: Researchers Urged For Protection, Conservation Efforts

Experts urge protection and conservation efforts amidst the declining population of white sharks in South Africa, particularly the decline of sharks in historical hotspots. 

Monitoring the white shark status is essential to offering new insights into their recent sightings in South Africa. According to recent reports, sharks help bring balance to oceans, especially food webs. The apex predator ensures healthy biodiversity.

In addition, white sharks are one of the most popular shark species. Despite their ecological importance, sharks have suffered from population loss due to the following:

• Fishing gear entanglement
• Bycatch by commercial fisheries
• Illegal hunting and fishing
• Pollution

Understanding the threats to shark species is crucial to saving them from population decline and the brink of extinction. In a report, researchers raised concerns about the decline of sharks during historical aggregation in South Africa. The research findings were published in the Ecological Indicators journal.

Why Conservation Efforts Are Crucial For White Sharks in South Africa

The report highlighted that shark sightings declined in the Western Cape. Effective monitoring efforts and advanced technologies play a crucial role in tracking the elusive species of sharks in South Africa.

In addition, the researchers noted the precautionary approach to the conservation efforts in Africa for white sharks. The efforts will be helpful so that the shark population will not suffer from the brink of extinction, and improve conservation management.

The study emphasized that unsupportive claims could impact conservation plans for the elusive species of white shark, especially the decline of sharks in the Western Cape. The researchers explained that there is a need for more data to decipher the population status of white sharks in South Africa.

"If the white shark population is stable, there is no need for concern. However, if the declines in white shark sightings seen in former hotspots are representative of the population, then conservation action is urgently needed," the study's lead author, Dr. Enrico Gennari, said, as quoted in a report.

Dr. Gennari is also the director of the Oceans Research Institute.

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

Impacts of Microplastics on Shark Species in South-East Queensland

NWN recently reported that microplastics and cellulose-based fibers were discovered in shark species in southeast Queensland. Researchers from Griffith University unearthed the abundance of contaminants in different sharks.

The materials were face masks, clothing, and textiles. The research report was published in the Chemosphere journal. The presence of microplastics was found in animals' intestines and muscle tissues.

While microplastics are reported in other marine species, plastic pollution is a serious environmental concern that could have devastating impacts on wildlife's survival.

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

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