Chloe Mclanachan – The decline of the UK’s shark population – Dec 20
When people think of UK waters, “sharks” is not usually the first thought that comes to mind.
Unbeknown to many, there is a rich shark population throughout the UK’s seas, with species varying in a range of shapes and sizes.
But an upsurge in commercial fishing and rising sea temperatures have increased the threats to these wonderful creatures.
With the aid of a combination of government and EU regulations, as well as support from the general public, it is now necessary to ensure the protection of these animals.
There are over 40 species of sharks which are resident or migrate throughout the UK’s waters, including the Angelshark which was once widely distributed throughout the British Isles.
Due to intense commercial fishing, Angelshark population numbers have dropped to ‘critically low’ within the late twentieth and twenty-first century. The use of trawlers has greatly affected the species as it tends to dwell on the seabed; and, because it has no commercial value, it will be thrown back dead as by-catch.
In 2000 the species was listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, and in 2006 it was declared extinct in the North Sea and its conservation status raised to Critically Endangered. In a more recent 2017 assessment the status remained the same, meaning little or no improvement in population numbers has been seen.
The elusive Angelshark
Photo: Vivtony00 -Creative Commons
The angel shark may become extinct in all UK seas if current efforts to conserve the species are not successful.
The shortfin mako is a migratory species, usually found off the south west coast of England and Wales during the warmer summer months.
The shortfin mako is at high risk of by-catch by commercial longline fishing, and is also regarded as a ‘good’ species for finning. In addition, it is seen as a prized species by the sports fishing industry.
The rise in sea temperatures means this species may become more common in UK waters, therefore it requires the protection from fishing by the UK government.
The species was listed as Endangered by the IUCN in 2018 and was later added to the CITES II List, meaning specimens must be fished from legal and sustainable fisheries, but of course how well this is regulated is questionable.
Populations of the animal are recorded as continually declining, and therefore added pressure is necessary to tighten restrictions on the sport fishing of this species throughout the UK.
Canada has introduced a ban on the retention of both the short and longfin mako — clearly a step in the right direction for this species.
Which brings me to the question, what will it take for the UK to follow in Canada’s steps and help to protect one of the most vulnerable shark species?
The fastest shark, the shortfin mako
Photo: NOAA –Shutterstock
The future of the UK’s shark population relies upon strictly enforced legal regulations on sustainable fishing throughout the UK as well as in surrounding areas, such as the Mediterranean and North West Atlantic.
The UK’s exit from the European Union presents an opportunity for the UK to strictly enforce and regulate sustainable fishing within British waters.
The key question is : will the UK take a step in the right direction and protect our marine ecosystems, or will it place economic benefits above all else?
Chloe Mclanachan
