Sharks are disappearing from reefs; might go extinct sooner than expected: Study

number of reef sharks is declining on an eyebrow-raising level, says a global survey. shocking decline in number indicates extinction of se majestic predators at several places. survey was conducted on nearly 20 per cent of sites and studies are just shockingly excruciating for all environmentalists.

What does survey speak about Sharks disappearing from reefs?

study was conducted for around 4 years which used 15,000 baited and remotely operated chum cams (cameras). This helped researchers to find out details about where reef sharks are thriving, take pictures of m and also to kw where y are virtually n-existent.

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le author Aaron MacNeil of survey said that results from over 370 reefs in nearly 60 countries are disturbing. In a press briefing, MacNeil said: "We expect... that re should be sharks on every reef in world and to find 20 per cent of reefs we surveyed didn't have any sharks on is very concerning".

Sharks in India, Qatar, Vietnam, and Kenya have disappeared completely as surveyors could t detect eugh sharks in se places. However, findings do t mean sharks do t exist in waters of mentioned countries rar y just prove that re are significantly fewer sharks in reefs of se places which is highly critical. 

Aaron MacNeil is an associate professor at Dalhousie University, and during press briefing he mentioned that "se nations are places where we're saying that reef sharks... play role in ecosystem re and y're functionally extinct".

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In a journal called Nature, this study has been published on Wednesday in which authors have blamed destructive fishing practices as culprit for less number of sharks in reefs. study revealed that " use of gillnets and longlines h strongest negative influence on relative abundance of reef sharks". 

older methods like diving and catch records h certain shortcomings and can be safely termed as less reliable as per many surveyors. new research technique with 15,000 chum cams has given team "a baseline against which we can both predict and gauge success of future conservation actions for reef sharks," as per MacNeil's statement.

Apart from all se disturbing results, co-author of study and dean of College of Arts, Sciences, and Education at Florida International University, Mike Heithaus mentioned in press briefing that "re are reservoirs of hope". He furr said, "re are places where reef sharks are doing well that could repopulate and rebuild in se areas that are degred". 

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What to do to help save sharks in reefs?

As per researchers, banning harmful fishing practices, imposing catch limits, closing areas to fishing, and creating shark sanctuaries could all help restore shark populations. However, it cant be implemented in many places where fishing communities rely on shark fishing. Currently, re is alternative method to provide a win-win chance that could help both; survival of sharks in reefs and communities who rely on fishing sharks. But, world needs a smart regulation in protection of sharks in India and or countries. 

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