Shark Conservation

Shark Conservation

Abstract

Arising over 350 million years ago, the shark species has been labeled as a human devourer. Now, with the increase in human population, the demand for shark meat, fins, and cartilage are at an all time high; therefore, the existence of the shark is becoming a concern (Budker 1971). Individuals are conditioned to think of sharks as a negative aspect to the environment, which is prolonging the effort to save shark species from becoming extinct. With that in mind, some private as well as national organizations have accepted the challenge of educating and informing people about the existence of the shark specie and its importance to the sea.

Introduction

Portrayed as the beast of the sea, the shark species is a cold blooded animal that shows great diversity in size. The largest of the sharks measure up to 13.7 m, while the smallest of the species range from 22-to-25 cm (Ellis 1976). Typically, these creatures of the sea have a fusiform body, that is composed of cartilage, which is capable of reducing drag and the amount of energy needed to swim (Ellis 1976). Their countershade coloration allows the species to blend in with both the dark depths and the light surfaces of the sea (Ellis 1976). These beautiful dwellers of the sea also possess rigid fins that are supported by cartilaginous rods. All together the shark has five different types of fins: the paired pectoral fins, are used to lift the shark as it swims, the paired pelvic fins stabilize the shark, the one or two dorsal fins also stabilize the shark, a single anal fin provides stability in species where it is present, however not all sharks have the anal fin, and the caudal fin which propels the shark (Lineaweaver and Backus 1970). The sharks head structure consist of lateral eyes, a ventral external nose, and a mouth that is ventrally located at the tip of the snout. Some species possess an eyelid like structure called a nictitating membrane, which helps in protecting the eye from being injured when prey are thrashing around, and a nasal barber, which are sensory projections near the nasal (Lineaweaver and Backus 1970). In the mouth, teeth are modified, enlarged placoid scales. Having numerous rows of teeth attached at their bases by connective tissue, sharks have rows of replacement teeth that are continually developed behind the outer row. As the functio...

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... feeling to the slaughter of the shark species. Therefore, with positive education as an antidote to false and negative publicity the battle to save the endangered shark will be possible. In order to win the battle of losing the shark, the support of the general public will be needed to achieve this goal.

Work Cited

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Baldridge, H.D. 1988. Shark aggression against man: beginning of an understanding. 74(4):208-217

Budker, Paul. 1971. Life of Sharks. Columbia University Press. 10-18pp.

Davies, D. H. 1966. About Sharks and Shark Attack. New York Hobbs, Dorman. 240-255 pp.

Ellis, Richard. 1976. The book of Sharks. New York Grasset and Dunlap. 110-130 pp.

Lineaweaver, T. H., and R. H. Backus. 1970. Natural History of Sharks. Philadelphia and New York. 23-40 pp.

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Woums, J., and L. Demski. 1993. Reproduction and Development of Sharks, Skates, Rays and Ratfishes. Environmental Biology of Fishes. 38(1): 270.