HomeTurkeyTürkiye sees 90% decline in shark population in past half century

Türkiye sees 90% decline in shark population in past half century

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The once-thriving shark inhabitants in Turkish territorial waters has suffered a devastating decline of 90% over the previous 5 a long time, casting a regarding shadow on the ecosystem’s essential steadiness.

Professor Deniz Ayas from Mersin University’s Faculty of Fisheries emphasised the pivotal function sharks play in sustaining equilibrium inside the ecosystem. Ayas burdened the pressing must reassess the Göksu marine space’s standing to make sure the preservation of sharks and their very important ecological capabilities.

“Sharks serve as regulators, keeping the populations of their prey in check,” said Ayas, underlining the significance of defending the Göksu marine space.

“It requires serious evaluation and consideration for preservation,” he added.

Highlighting the alarming development of diminishing shark species in Turkish waters, Ayas expressed grave issues in regards to the impending extinction threat confronted by these marine creatures.

“The Mediterranean hosts various large shark species, utilizing zones where rivers meet the sea, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean, for breeding, nurturing and as nurseries for their offspring. One such significant area is the convergence point of the Göksu River with the sea. Through our studies, we’ve identified numerous young sharks, indicating this location as a critical habitat for various species, including sand and sling sharks,” Ayas remarked.

Attributing the decline of shark populations primarily to fishing actions, Ayas identified the inadvertent seize of those species as bycatch or non-targeted species, resulting in their demise. Despite minimal consumption inside the nation, the perilous discount in shark numbers stays a consequence of fishing actions.

“There is an urgent necessity for a comprehensive action plan,” Ayas urged. “Preservation status must be conferred upon the habitats where sharks breed, feed and rear their young. Human activities, from small-scale fishing to other practices in these vital areas, pose a significant threat to the last refuges of sharks. Protecting the breeding grounds of sharks is crucial,” Ayas emphasised.

Furthermore, Ayas advocated for recognizing sharks as a “flag species” warranting unequivocal safety. “Sharks, due to their vital ecological functions, are irreplaceable in maintaining marine equilibrium. They contribute significantly to the marine ecosystem’s health and must be safeguarded. Therefore, the Göksu marine area requires immediate reevaluation and protection,” Ayas concluded.

The declining shark inhabitants in Turkish territorial waters poses an imminent ecological disaster, demanding instant conservation methods and concerted efforts to guard these invaluable creatures and restore steadiness to the marine setting.

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