Monday, February 28, 2005

Endangered sharks (summary response)

Endangered sharks
Summary
This article is about the threats that are facing the sharks in Florida and around the world. With many people putting the sharks as one of the most dangerous threats facing them in the water, however they were swimming, fishing or diving. In fact there are more than 300 shark spices facing real dangerous situation, and the most famous one is the great white shark. According to the author, all the sharks in the oceans facing mostly the same threats, but as the white shark very rare, all the information will be about it. Moreover the author was describing the decline in the white shark population as 20% less in the last 40 years. And the ratio of the white sharks to the other spices in 1960’s is 1-22 and to1-38 in 1970’s and 1-651 in 1980’s. However what causes these declines are many reasons, but for sure it’s not the commercial fisheries or the accidental situation, the main sources of recorded mortality seem to be sport fishing and souvenir trade. The high prices for teeth and jaws in the souvenir trade are thought to stimulate directed take of this spices.
Response

The sharks in the oceans, the animals in the world, the bird in the ski are facing the same threats but in a different ways. As a white shark became more and more important to the world we should know some more details about it. This shark is a widely distributed species of coastal and offshore shelves in temperate and
sub-tropical areas. It is thought to have local populations that show some evidence of migratory behavior. It is a large (5 m) marine predator, vilified for its occasional attacks on humans. It is thought to have a low reproductive rate, reaching sexual maturity at 9-10 years of age and producing between two and ten pups after a 12-month gestation period once every two to three years. The species is relatively long-lived. The Great White Shark is uncommon compared to other sharks and evidence from protective beach netting in Florida, California and South Africa.
Further to the shark threats, Scientists who study sharks have been alarmed for years over the effects such exploitations have on shark populations. They warn of the possible effect depleted shark populations may have on ocean life. Decrease the number of sharks, whose feeding habits help to keep populations of other fish in check, and you offset the balance of aquatic life. "Sharks help control disease in fish populations," explains shark expert Samuel Gruber of the University of Miami. "They play an important role in the evolution of prey species, taking the sick and unhealthy fish, leaving the more fit to breed."

Consequently, sharks part like any other rare animals (tiger, lion,crocodile...etc).And many fisher and hunters searching for them, to sell them as a souvenir to many collectors in the world. Therefore, I would like to remind those people to the important scenario, which the shark is playing it in our environment balance. And it should be more researching programs to avoid any more problems in our environment. And finally support from every body that involve in this subject or not, because this is our planet and we should save it.



References
1-Jane bosveld (Nov, 1994) endangered spices. Retrieved Jan 3rd, 2005. www.findarticles.com/p/

Endangered sharks (Attack)

Daniel Rosa
EAP2
MR: Greenspan
01/26/2005

Sharks attack

Sharks are many different kinds, sizes and weights. But when we can know if this shark is dangers or not, or how danger is he? Sharks are so different, like we can’t compare the white shark with the bonnet head shark, because each one has attitude and targets. From 350 or so shark species, 80% are unable to hurt people because it’s less than 1.6 meter. the rest of them attack people or fishers or divers fore examples like, protecting their area or accidental or sometimes associated with feeding behavior. Furthermore, types of attack are different as well as kind of sharks are. And to know about these attacks, we will name some of it. First, hit and run, bump and bite and sneak attack. (www.mote.org).
It’s another world inside the darkness of the ocean, this blue world has only one king, and this king is the shark. That’s why it’s difficult to swim, without thinking about this threat, or feeling that something is watching you. People usually enjoy going to the beach, or go diving, snorkeling or fishing. But definitely those people must take care, and learn the safety information’s like check your Ocean Conditions at your local beach, for ocean safety conditions. Swim near a lifeguard. Avoid swimming in the evening or night when there is no lifeguard on duty. Sharks normally feed at this time. Avoid swimming alone. Sharks are attracted to bait fish. In Florida the baitfish typically have off white or yellow bellies and shiny scales. Avoid swimming when the ocean visibility is poor. Look for signs of baitfish. This is indicated by groups of small fish normally gathering together in a group. Baitfish can appear like a dark moving cloud in the water.
Look for signs of large fish in the water. This could indicate sharks. Look for birds,
Birds often eat remains of fish or live baitfish. (www.sharksurvivor.com).
Otherwise, people are hunting sharks around the world, so the simple question is, who’s the victim, the sharks or the people. And I thing that the shark is the victim for many reason, first we went to the shark’s home, and we start sharing the fish with it, and finally we have to remember the damage we made when we spreading out the oils field around the oceans.
Basically, it is as important for man to recognize and respect the importance of sharks in our environment, as it is any other living species on this planet. Sharks are important as an indicator species which can help us to better manage irreplaceable natural resources on which we all depend. Sharks also play an important role to keep other species in check and therefore, maintain a critical balance within the fragile ocean environment. Immune to most all disease, including cancer... sharks are the subject of intensive medical research that could some day benefit man.
And also, sharks help to maintain a healthy marine fisheries environment by mostly preying on the sick, injured, weak or diseased. And finally, despite a mostly undeserved reputation as "man-eaters", sharks are indeed one of the most beautiful, fascinating and powerful creatures on this planet. Ultimately, their preservation will ensure ours... and likewise, their destruction will ensure the eventual destruction of our ocean's on which all mankind depends.