World’s Largest Reef Survey Reveals Sharks Nearing Extinction

By Marina Alonzo/Contributing Writer

A global survey led by FIU researchers revealed a disturbing trend in the decline of shark populations across the world’s oceans. A trend that will no doubt impact the vital roles sharks have on an already fragile ecosystem. 

Over a span of four years, researchers used Global FinPrint to survey 371 species of coral reefs in 58 different countries, including some here in Miami. 

After reviewing over 15,000 hours of footage, the survey revealed a decline of shark populations in many of the reefs, including near the Dominican Republic, Vietnam and Kenya.

One of the most shocking findings was that the survey showed no sharks were detected in over 20 percent of the reefs. 

According to researchers, this lack in population indicates that species are nearing extinction and that they are unable to fulfill their natural roles. 

Because of their role as apex predators, sharks provide stabilization for species lower on the food chain, preventing overpopulation. If their population continues to dwindle, the ecosystem could become unstable. 

A portion of the survey was recorded in marine protected areas, including the western Atlantic coast near Florida. MPAs are protected locations which often prohibit or limit fishing, boating and other recreational activities in order to protect species, including sharks. 

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, there are 22 species (lemon, tiger, hammerheads) which are banned from fishing. If captured, these prohibited shark species must be immediately released while the gills are still in the water. 

Other fishing practices that have been banned include chumming from swimming and recreational beaches. 

Currently, Florida allows two groups of shark species to be harvested, including Bull and Finetooth sharks, with a minimum size limit. There is also a daily bag limit of one shark per person per day. 

The FinPrint team believes that these limitations and the outright ban of shark fishing is essential to the success of shark conservation.

The results surveyed in countries including the United States, Australia, the Bahamas, and French Polynesia show that these regulations have led to higher populations of sharks.  These areas are known as shark sanctuaries.

Areas such as the Northern Great Barrier Reef, where sharks are still relatively common, despite a lack in regulations, are known as “reservoirs of hope.” Researchers hope that the sharks inhabiting these reservoirs can spread out and repopulate other areas. 

While shark bans are unlikely to be adopted in states where their economy relies on the fishing industry, including Florida, the FinPrint team believes that catch limits along with restrictions on shark fishing gear such as gillnets and longlines, could help repopulate. 

You can view the survey results along with an interactive map that categorizes areas by their conservation efforts, on the Global FinPrint site.