Márquez, M. C. (2022, January 23). The Importance Of Shark Fisheries In Western Ghana. Forbes. Retrieved February 6, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissacristinamarquez/2022/01/23/the-importance-of-shark-fisheries-in-western-ghana/?sh=7f976eb55319
The Shark populations in Africa are decreasing rapidly. A healthy shark population is necessary to the food supply and economy of many African Nations. 12.3 million people are involved in fisheries in some form. Up to 60% of animal protein in coastal African nations is from Sharks. The livelihood of these coastal villages and nations are under threat due dwindling shark populations. Climate change is distorting the ocean landscape changing where shark populations are located. The primary source of income for millions is in jeopardy.
The shark population in Africa has taken a step decline due to global warming altering ocean habitats. With millions of people involved in the fishing industry in Africa, many of whom have fishing as their main source of income, are all now working in uncertain times. The main fish they catch is sharks. It accounts for the majority of protein in many of their diets, and it also accounts for the majority of money in their wallets. Climate change is destroying Shark’s habitats forcing them to change their swimming patterns away from where the fishermen are used to. In addition to this sharks are also being overfished in other parts of the world. So the combination of climate change and unregulated illegal overfishing has led to a drop off in food and money for many coastal African communities. If no changes are made many Africans will struggle to generate food and income.
I think it’s super interesting that the shark population declines in certain areas depending on the demand for its materials. I also agree that there needs to be a change in regulations when it comes to over-fishing, otherwise, we are stripping our oceans of important organisms that help them function.
I agree with your point, and I also think that it is important to impose regulations to prevent overfishing. However, it is much easier to say that we will put these regulations in place than it is to actually do it. So, what regulations or laws would you propose?
I agree that changes need to made to rules about fishing so that it can be continued sustainably. Is the overfishing occuring in Africa or elsewhere? Also, why is the habitat being destroyed? Is overfishing or habitat destruction reducing shark populations?