How You Can Help Save Sharks
Vital Information on the Protection of Sharks and the Marine Eco-System
Many shark species need protection. Even with laws and conservation measures in place, survival isn’t guaranteed, and ongoing efforts are crucial to safeguard these predators.
As stewards of the ocean, we need to understand the challenges sharks face to ensure their survival and protect these diverse, magnificent creatures.
All Sharks Need Our Protection
An ongoing concern for all sharks is habitat destruction. Mankind's constant striving to go bigger and better, not excluding the fact that more than half of Earth’s population lives within 100km of the ocean, is creating serious unknown dangers for our Shark populations.
The majority of shark species use shore zones for breeding and nursing at some stage of their lives. This was never a problem, but in recent years, our continual alteration of these areas has put these animals at risk. The expansion and development of harbours, piers, sewerage, and industrial outlet systems are encroaching on their natural habitat. The shrinking of their habitat and nursing grounds forces sharks to venture out to more dangerous areas. This puts their young at risk.
All of these dangers can be prevented.
A Look at the Great White Shark
Female great whites take approximately 15 years to reach sexual maturity, while males take about eight years. The female will be around 5m long and the male 4m when it’s time to reproduce.
Unlike other fish, great white sharks are ovoviviparous, which means eggs develop in the uterus and that they mate to fertilise the eggs.
Great whites give birth to live young, and females can give birth to several litters during their lifetimes. The litters are relatively small, producing between seven and 11 pups, and gestation takes approximately 11 months.
Comparing species highlights the reproduction differences. Whale sharks can have litters of almost 300 pups, while sandbar sharks may take nearly 30 years to reach sexual maturity. Great white sharks reproduce slowly, so their populations are declining faster than they can replenish themselves.
How Can We Help Save Sharks?
By taking proactive steps in the way we consume, we create a more sustainable environment for sharks to thrive.
• Be aware of what you are buying. Things are not always as they seem.
• Shark meat is often marketed as rock salmon, pollock, or white fish. Besides being ecologically irresponsible, it is also very harmful to your health. Sharks accumulate various toxins from their prey, and their meat, including their fins, contains large amounts of mercury. Consuming small helpings of shark meat can lead to mercury poisoning if the product you are eating comes from the illegal trade.
• Be wary of shark-derived ingredients, as these are not always clearly labelled. Chondroitin, for example, can be made from shark cartilage. It’s also important not to support shops that sell shark products such as jaws, teeth, meat, or leather. Some beauty products contain squalene, which is traditionally sourced from shark liver oil, so it’s worth checking ingredient lists carefully.
• Don’t support the shark fin soup trade.
You Can Develop A Voice
The best way to help protect sharks is to become an advocate for them. Whether you blog, write articles, or share content on social media, it’s important to educate friends and family about sharks and their fascinating characteristics.
Encouraging accurate and responsible storytelling is just as important. Appealing to media outlets to help dispel long-standing myths and negative perceptions can make a difference. It also helps to avoid supporting media that sensationalise or demonise sharks.
Join the Shark Community
Many organisations and foundations are actively involved in shark conservation. These programmes can always use more help, whether in the form of volunteering, research or financial aid.
Based in Kleinbaai, a five-minute drive from Gansbaai, eco-adventure company Marine Dynamics specialises in educational shark cage diving tours.
They also have a team ready to share their vast conservation knowledge and welcome you to reach out for more information.
