What are the Different Types of Endangered Sharks?

Out of over 450 species of shark in the world, about 200 are considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). More than 100 shark species are commercially exploited by humans, which further contributes to their endangerment. In fact, some populations of shark species have declined by over 90% in recent years, due largely in part to human activities.

The top ten most endangered sharks, from least to most endangered, are:

One of the primary threats to endangered sharks is overfishing. Many of the most endangered sharks are overfished, including the whitefin topeshark, the daggernose shark, and the Bizant river shark. Sharks are commercially in demand for their fins and cartilage. In parts of Asia, shark fin soup is considered a delicacy, while many believe shark cartilage to have health benefits, including fighting cancer, healing arthritis, and boosting immunity. These claims are currently unsupported by strong scientific evidence, however, so many sharks may be dying in vain.

Another factor that threatens many endangered sharks, including the whitefin topeshark and Bizant river shark, is the destruction of habitats. Mangroves are underwater coastal areas that many shark species typically use as breeding grounds. They are areas of vegetation along coastlines, and may be thought of as underwater forests. In many parts of the world, humans are destroying mangroves to make room for aquaculture, or the farming of aquatic species. As a result, many sharks do not have a place too breed, and the fact that they have low reproductive rates to begin with only worsens the problem.

Sharks are being killed at a much higher rate than they can reproduce. In general, sharks take many years to reach sexual maturity and typically give birth to few offspring at a time. If they continue to be slaughtered at the current rate, some species are expected to become extinct within the next decade. For example, populations of the dumb gulper shark have declined by 99% in recent decades, and it is possible than fewer than 250 individuals exist in both the New Guinea and Bizant river shark species. As of 2010, conservationists and shark advocates said critical and immediate action must be taken on behalf of endangered sharks to ensure their survival.

Sharks face endangerment primarily due to overfishing, bycatch in fishing gear, habitat loss, and the demand for shark fins. Overfishing occurs when sharks are captured at a rate faster than they can reproduce, leading to population declines. Habitat destruction, such as coral reef damage, also significantly impacts their survival rates.

Among the most endangered sharks are the Scalloped Hammerhead and the Great Hammerhead, both listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. The Oceanic Whitetip, once widespread, is now also critically endangered due to significant population decreases from overfishing and finning practices.

Shark finning involves removing the fins from live sharks and discarding the rest of the animal at sea. This practice is driven by the high value of fins for shark fin soup, a delicacy in some cultures. Finning is wasteful and often leads to the sharks dying from inability to swim properly, drastically reducing shark populations.

Conservation efforts include international agreements like CITES, which regulates the trade of shark species, and the establishment of marine protected areas where fishing is restricted or banned. Additionally, some countries have specific shark conservation laws, and there are global campaigns aimed at reducing the demand for shark fin products.

Individuals can contribute to shark conservation by supporting sustainable seafood choices, advocating for stronger shark protection laws, and raising awareness about the importance of sharks in marine ecosystems. Avoiding products containing shark parts and participating in or donating to conservation organizations are also effective ways to help.

Sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems as apex predators. They help regulate the populations of other marine life, ensuring healthy and diverse ocean habitats. Protecting sharks also has economic benefits, as they are vital for ecotourism and maintaining the health of fisheries.