Based on totally different sources, together with as bycatch, someplace between 26 million and 100 million sharks are caught yearly. Even the low finish of that vary is quite a bit, and takes sharks from the seas far sooner than they will reproduce. It’s because, as reported by the Shark Belief, most species take a very long time to achieve sexual maturity, are pregnant for prolonged intervals, delivery comparatively few younger and don’t reproduce yearly. Not surprisingly, many shark populations are falling, with the latest scientific research indicating that over a 3rd of all shark species are going through an elevated menace of extinction. But, sharks are important for wholesome oceans as a result of (amongst different causes) they’re apex predators that keep ecosystem steadiness by preying on plant-eating fish that may overpopulate and over devour sea grasses and kelp – each of which soak up and retailer carbon dioxide. So, sustaining an ample shark inhabitants seems to be a part of decreasing world local weather change.
100 sixty-seven sharks and 220 species of rays are thought to be endangered. “Thought” is a key phrase right here, as a result of lack of information is among the largest issues scientists face. To stop shark extinctions inside our lifetime, they want higher data not nearly what number of sharks there are, but additionally the place they’re, and simply as importantly, the place they’re not.
As Ocean Torchbearers, that is the place you and I are available. PADI AWARE, which has been central in advancing worldwide safety of threatened shark species, is addressing this drawback with the International Shark & Ray Census. Particulars shall be launched quickly, however the census could have divers (and even non-divers) use the PADI AWARE Conservation Motion Portal app (iOS or Android) to doc, document and submit noticed inhabitants information. That’s, what species sharks and rays we see, the place we see them, once we see them and what number of. The end result would be the world’s largest shark/ray inhabitants information set, which shall be made accessible globally to shark researchers and useful resource managers.
Will it work? Completely! As I’ve blogged previously, for greater than 100 years citizen science has enabled analysis that may in any other case be unattainable as a consequence of scale and/or funding. Not solely has it been discovered to be correct, however PADI AWARE has already accomplished this with Dive Once more Particles®, which is the world’s most subtle, largest and widespread information base concerning plastics and different ocean particles. Already in use by worldwide scientists and researchers, the Dive Towards Particles® program and ensuing information show that divers such as you and I might help defend sharks and rays by noting, recording and reporting what we see whereas diving.
Keep related together with your PADI Resort or Dive Middle and bounce in when the International Shark & Ray Census rolls outs. It’s counting that counts!
Search journey. Save the ocean.
Dr. Drew Richardson
PADI President & CEO
