2006-08-05 20:08:00 · 12 answers · asked by Gabrio 7 in Environment
How common are shark attacks?
Shark attacks are extremely rare. An individual is three times more likely to be hit by lightning than to be bitten by a shark. There were an average of 32 shark attacks per year in U.S. waters between 1990 and 2004. Of the 490 attacks during this 15-year span, 11 were fatal. Visit the International Shark Attack File for a comparison of the relative risk of shark attack versus other potential hazards
Today, populations of large sharks are only a fraction of what they were in the 1970s, largely due to over-fishing. The population of sandbar sharks, Virginia's most common species, stands at about 50% of 1970s levels. This is an increase from the 15% levels seen during the late 1980s, before fisheries management plans started to have a positive effect. Current populations of sandtiger sharks (at 15% of 1970s levels), dusky sharks (25%), and tiger sharks (40%) remain severely depressed.
2006-08-05 21:33:10 · update #1
Why are sharks important ecologically?
Sharks sit atop the food chain as apex predators. As such, they play an important ecological role in keeping prey populations healthy by removing weak, old, and infirm individuals. As shark populations decline due to over-fishing and habitat loss, prey populations can increase unchecked, leading to an overall decline in ecosystem health.
2006-08-05 21:34:06 · update #2
http://www.vims.edu/newsmedia/press_release/shark_facts.htm
2006-08-05 21:35:48 · update #3
THANK YOU! Finallly, someone speaks the truth. I agree with you that shark hunting is WRONG. Sharks are not bad, they are necessary and beautiful. More people die from falling coconuts every year than from shark attacks. Sharks are not out to kill you, they are simply trying to survive.
2006-08-06 18:31:35 · answer #1 · answered by lil_lemon_honey 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Fishing methods attract sharks and they often become entangled in nets along with the rest of the catch.A single shark fin can be worth more than the days catch in an Asian marketplace.
Abalone and other protected marine life is also under threat from illegal fishing operations.
The motive is money.
2006-08-05 22:49:31 · answer #2 · answered by mystic_master3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shark fin soup is a huge delicacy in eastern countries. People will pay a fortune just for a bowl of it.
2006-08-05 20:11:42 · answer #3 · answered by johngrobmyer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They want the Fins cause its worth alot of Money.
They cut the Fins off and then throw the rest of the shark
back in the sea.
What Sick People!!!!!
2006-08-05 20:18:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of their fins which are used as ingredients for cooking. Ever heard of shark's fin soup? It's very tasty not to mention, EXPENSIVE!
2006-08-05 20:26:05 · answer #5 · answered by janine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its kinda mixing up pleasure wit business!!
shark hunting is quite an adventure!!
so many oder things follow like xperiments, fud etc
2006-08-05 20:17:34 · answer #6 · answered by ii_classy_ii 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
b'cos of the popularity of shark fin soup
2006-08-05 20:11:37 · answer #7 · answered by sweet_jerry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
becos sharks killing so much blood
2006-08-05 20:46:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mostly some just killed them accidently...
2006-08-05 20:12:00 · answer #9 · answered by Adrien 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they get in the way
2006-08-05 20:11:25 · answer #10 · answered by Big hands Big feet 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋