Original Article: "Türkiye sees 90% decline in shark population in past half century" by: Daily Sabah with DHA
In a disconcerting revelation, the once-thriving shark population in Turkish territorial waters has plummeted by a staggering 90% over the last fifty years. This alarming decline, reported by Daily Sabah with DHA, casts a looming shadow on the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem.
Professor Deniz Ayas from Mersin University’s Faculty of Fisheries underscores the pivotal role sharks play in preserving ecological equilibrium. Calling for an urgent reassessment of the Göksu marine area’s status, Ayas emphasizes the need to ensure the preservation of sharks and their critical ecological functions.
Sharks, often serving as regulators in the ecosystem, play a vital role in maintaining the balance of their prey populations. According to Ayas, the Göksu marine area demands serious evaluation and preservation considerations to protect these essential marine creatures.
Expressing deep concern about the imminent risk of extinction faced by various shark species in Turkish waters, Ayas identifies crucial habitats, including the convergence point of the Göksu River with the sea, as significant breeding grounds for various species, including sand and sling sharks.
The decline in shark populations is primarily attributed to fishing activities, with Ayas highlighting accidental captures as bycatch or non-targeted species. Despite minimal consumption within the country, the perilous reduction in shark numbers remains a consequence of fishing activities.
Ayas urgently calls for a comprehensive action plan, advocating for the conferment of preservation status upon habitats where sharks breed, feed, and rear their young. Human activities, ranging from small-scale fishing to other practices in these vital areas, pose a significant threat to the last refuges of sharks.
Furthermore, Ayas insists on recognizing sharks as a “flag species” deserving unequivocal protection due to their irreplaceable role in maintaining marine equilibrium. Stressing the significant contribution of sharks to the health of the marine ecosystem, he concludes by urging the immediate reevaluation and protection of the Göksu marine area.
The original article by Daily Sabah with DHA can be accessed here.
If you enjoy content like this make sure to subscribe to our newsletter, comment what other type of posts you would love to see!! And make sure to check out the rest of our blog!!