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 04 July 2008 21:10 BST

Deep sea sharks 'facing extinction'

Thursday, 22 May 2008 16:38
Shark numbers are dwindling because of their fins and meat being targeted for regional delicacies

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Ocean-going sharks have become one of the world's most endangered groups of animals, conservationists have warned.

The IUCN said it had added 11 of the world's 21 species of ocean pelagic sharks and rays to its Red List.

The fact that the majority of shark species are facing extinction is being blamed on "serious over-fishing".

Shark numbers are dwindling because of their fins and meat being targeted for regional delicacies.

Sonja Fordham, deputy chair of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group (SSG) is calling for an end to shark-finning and science-based catch limits for sharks and rays.

"The traditional view of oceanic sharks and rays as fast and powerful too often leads to a misperception that they are resilient to fishing pressure," she explained.

"Despite mounting evidence of decline and increasing threats to these species, there are no international catch limits for oceanic sharks.

"Our research shows that action is urgently needed on a global level if these fisheries are to be sustainable."

Ms Fordham added that shark species were being lost ten to 100 times faster than historic extinction rates.End of story


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