Sharks in danger!

On a global scale, shark populations continue to be depleted at unsustainable rates. The principal problem is overfishing driven by the high demand for shark products, but other threats are also a cause for concern. Accidental and intentional by-catch, habitat loss, ocean pollution and environmental degradation are all serious problems that contribute to the rapid decline in numbers of many shark species.
 

References

– Baum J.K., Myers R.A. 2004. Shifting baselines and the decline of pelagic sharks in the Gulf of Mexico. Ecology Letters 7: 135–145. doi: 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2003.00564.x
– Dulvy, N.K., Baum, J.K., Clarke, S., Compagno, L.J.V., Cortes, E., et al. 2008. You can swim but you can’t hide: the global status and conservation of oceanic pelagic sharks and rays. Aquatic Conservation-Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 18: 459–482. doi: 10.1002/aqc.975
– Worm, B., B. Davis, L. Ketterner, C. A. Ward-Paige, D. Chapman, M. R. Heithaus, S. T. Kessel, and S. H. Gruber. 2013. Global catches, exploitation rates, and rebuilding options for sharks. Journal of Marine Policy 40: 194-204