Sharks and rays have decreased by 70% in the last half century

2021/02/01 Etxebeste Aduriz, Egoitz - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ingurumena
• Ozeanografia
• Arrantza

The world's shark and fish populations have decreased by 70% since 1970. Accordingly, three quarters of the elasmobranchs species are in danger of extinction. These are the results of a broad study by an international research group. Published in the journal Nature.

Specifically, between 1970 and 2018 they analyzed the evolution of 31 species. Of these 31 species, 24 are in danger of extinction and 3 are in danger of extinction (the most serious category in the list of the International Organization for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Sphyrna lewini, Sphyrna on the bar and Carcharhinus longimanus.

We have taken into account a number of factors that can negatively influence species and have found that the main problem is overfishing. Thus, the researchers have warned of the need to take measures as soon as possible, in particular, put limits on fishing so that the populations improve.