The Great Barrier Reef, found in the Coral Sea off the north-east coast of Australia, is one of the world's largest protected marine reserves. As the state icon of Queensland, this reef shines as the largest structure built by tiny and amazing Coral Polyps.
The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space, and since be awarded a 'World Heritage Site' listing in 1981, tourism surrounding the reef has generated upwards of $1 Billion a year.
Composed of 2,999 unique reefs, and 900 islands spread over 2,600 Kilometers, a countless amount of wildlife call the reef home.
Some threats to the reef are over-fishing, coral bleaching, and outbreaks of Crown of thorns starfish. Climate change is also a formidable cause for concern.
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Logs & Blogs
"Saving our Sharks"
Feb 22, 2011
Whether you are an ocean enthusiast, animal lover, or simply follow the environments' most pressing issues, you have most likely heard of "shark finning". This practice, though part of ancient Chinese tradition, has now become a widespread phenomenon dangerously affecting sharks globally.
Historically, the Asian delicacy named "shark fin soup" was a symbol of high class among the Chinese population. This dish, a light soup evidently composed of shark fins, was commonly served at weddings and significant events, displaying wealth and one's rank within traditional Asian culture. However, over the past 30 years, shark fin soup has stepped onto the mainstream arena, becoming more affordable on the Asian market. Consequently, middle class have been lapping up the chance to acquire this once unattainable status symbol, hurriedly consuming this watery broth and demanding more at an alarming rate.
Unfortunately, due almost solely to shark "finning" fishing, shark populations have dropped a staggering 90%. Since the 1970's, nearly a third of all shark species have become extremely endangered, and currently more than 100,000,000 sharks are killed annually for their fins alone. More lucrative than the tuna fishing industry, shark finning is absolutely bringing some shark species to the brink of extinction.
Upon reading these statistics, one may ponder the importance of sharks to our oceans, or why we should be concerned about these "dangerous ocean predators". The truth is, the stigma created around sharks has been part of a very lucrative and effective marketing campaign against this animal.
Although movies like "Jaws" may not have intended to instill such terrorin people regarding sharks, media of this nature has done just that. It is easier and more effective for the news to feed people's fears of sharks and exploit their general misunderstanding of the animal rather than offer a fair look into the nature of this so called "beast".
In essence, sharks are a vital component of the marine ecosystem and essential to the health of the entire planet. These animals display the most natural form of resilience and strength, surviving on earth for more than 400 million years. In fact, sharks have lived through 5 major extinctions and roamed our world even before dinosaurs. It would then seem that humans, not sharks, are the real predators of our day. We have undoubtedly proved the power of greed, ignorance and disregard for one of the ocean's most important species.
Luckily the ocean does have an intrinsic power to touch us humans. She is healing, powerful and the mother of all things nature. People are drawn to her shores, into her depth, and ultimately fascinated and enthralled by her treasures. Fish, mammals, small and large alike make up our underwater world, and even the smallest of coral polyps all unite to form a cohesive working environment. Humans have sought out the ocean's plentiful resources for millions of years, but our over-consumption has stripped her nearly bare of her stocks. The sea is struggling to maintain balance and a renewable source of life, and we are the sole culprits to blame. Shark finning is not the only form of abuse we infringe upon the ocean, but it is one that cannot and should not be ignored.
Shark populations are depleting faster than they can reproduce, and if a global consensus is not reached on this issue, we could witness an extinction with immeasurable consequences.
We are all affected by the state of the ocean's health, and should feel empowered by helping in any small way we can. Humans will forever be captivated by the ocean, and millions will continue to swim, dive, surf and soak up its many wonders. So why not take part in defending one of them.
In the following links, you can find information about shark finning and find a simple realistic way you can help now!
MJ Arsenault
