THE FIGHT AGAINST MANKIND
People kill sharks and rays for a variety of reasons, many of which are driven by economic, cultural, and sometimes misguided beliefs. Here are some of the main motivations behind the hunting of these magnificent creatures:
1. Shark Finning
One of the most well-known reasons for killing sharks is the practice of shark finning. In some cultures, shark fins are considered a delicacy, particularly for shark fin soup, which is seen as a status symbol or a luxury food item. The demand for shark fins, especially in countries like China, Hong Kong, and other parts of Asia, has led to the widespread and unsustainable practice of finning. Often sharks are caught, their fins are cut off, and the rest of the body is discarded back into the ocean, sometimes while the shark is still alive, leading to its death.
2. Commercial Fishing
Sharks and rays are often caught in commercial fisheries for their meat, liver oil, and cartilage, which are sold for food, medicinal purposes, or in the production of various products. Shark and ray meat, for example, is commonly consumed across the world (often disguised as 'flake'), though the consumption of some species can be toxic in high quantities due to mercury accumulation. The oil from shark livers is used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and supplements, while cartilage is sometimes marketed as a health product.
3. Recreational and Sport Fishing
Sharks and rays are often are targeted by sport fishers who catch them for the thrill of the challenge, often without considering the long-term impact on the population. While some sport fishing is catch-and-release, not all sharks survive the stress of being captured and handled. Additionally, some anglers may keep their catch for display or consumption.
4. Fear and Misunderstanding
Sharks, especially larger species like the white shark, have long been vilified in popular culture, often portrayed as dangerous and aggressive predators. This fear, whether rational or not, can lead to shark culling programs aimed at reducing the number of sharks around beaches or coastal areas where they are perceived as a threat to human safety. In reality, shark attacks are extremely rare, and sharks are far more likely to be harmed by humans than the other way around. There are also far less destructive methods of ensuring human safety around sharks in the ocean.
5. Habitat Destruction and Accidental Capture (Bycatch)
While not a direct motivation for killing sharks and rays, habitat destruction and unsustainable fishing practices often lead to their deaths. Sharks and rays can become entangled in fishing nets or accidentally caught in trawl nets while fisheries target other species. Since many sharks and rays are slow to reproduce and grow, they are particularly vulnerable to these kinds of accidental captures, which can drastically reduce their populations.
6. Traditional Medicine and Superstitions
In some cultures, various parts of sharks and rays (such as their fins, liver, and cartilage) are used in traditional medicine, though there is little scientific evidence to support their supposed health benefits. Some people also believe that consuming shark products can bring good luck or improve vitality, which fuels continued demand for these animals. In other cases, the belief in the supposed medicinal properties of shark fins or cartilage persists despite growing awareness of the unsustainable and unethical practices surrounding their use.
While these reasons for killing sharks and rays may be rooted in cultural practices, economic factors, or fear, they have devastating consequences for shark and ray populations. Many of these creatures are slow to reproduce and highly vulnerable to overfishing, making them at risk of extinction if current practices continue. As awareness of their importance to marine ecosystems and the threat they face grows, there is hope that we can shift these harmful behaviors through education, regulation, and conservation efforts.