Shark numbers down by over 70%

Global numbers of oceanic sharks and rays have fallen by 71% in the last 50 years, due primarily to overfishing. A new study calls on governments to act immediately to prevent a collapse in populations


SHARKS IN DECLINE, 1970-2018

Living Planet Index      (Measure of diversity)

Relative abundance of 18 oceanic species of sharks and rays has declined by 71.1 percent since 1970

1.25    
1.00
0.75 
0.50 
0.25
0 
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
           
        
STATUS OF SHARKS (2018)
More than three-quarters of shark species threatened with extinction

Three formerly abundant species now classified as critically endangered – Oceanic whitetip shark, Scalloped hammerhead, and Great hammerhead

Four are endangered – Pelagic thresher, Dusky shark, Shortfin mako and Longfin mako

IUCN Red List
Least concern 
Near threatened 
Vulnerable 
Endangered 
Critically endangered

Total: 31
13 3 6 1 8
   
White shark (vulnerable) and some Hammerhead sharks recovering in some regions, aided by retention bans and strict quotas


Sources: Nature, IUCN Red List 
Picture: Newscom 
© GRAPHIC NEWS