sharkwater

Earlier in the year I watched an amazing movie made by a young guy called Rob Stewart about sharks. Sharkwater began as an underwater documentary but quickly became a shocking expose into the horrific and illegal global finning trade when Stewart found that finning was taking place in protected waters in The Galapagos and Costa Rica. 

Shark Week

This week sees the start of European Shark Week, which aims to highlight the dramatic decline in European shark populations and the role that Europeans play in the global shark trade. Sharks are among the oceans most threatened species - tens of millions are killed every year, intentionally or as 'bycatch'. Despite evidence of overfishing and depletion, few countries restrict shark fishing. Stewart works with Captain Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to raise awareness of these issues through his film. And it's certainly well worth a watch.

Interesting Shark Facts

Sharks have roamed the oceans for more than 400 million years, making them 200 years older than dinosaurs. 

The threat of sharks is not as dangerous as we think. Crocodiles kill more people in one year than sharks will in 100 years.

Sharks play a crucial role in the ocean ecosystem as they are the predators at the pinnacle of the marine food pyramid. Populations decline and the ecosystem is thrown out of balance.