Sharks and rays have flourished in the oceans for more than 400 million years. During their long history they have evolved characteristics that have allow them to be successful in all marine communities. Every ocean animal known today – fishes, invertebrates and sea mammals, have evolved in balance with sharks. They are perfect predators with intrinsic beauty who play a vital role in ocean ecology.
Presently, these “living fossils” are experiencing the highest rate of worldwide decline in history. An estimated 100 million sharks and rays are killed each year, about half of which are discarded unused as by-catch in other fisheries. In most cases, the fins are sliced off for sale while the carcasses are wastefully discarded at sea, a practice called fining.
We need to protect sharks and rays NOW as they are extremely vulnerable to over-exploitation. This is why The Cortez Club plays host to “Adopt a Shark” a program of the Non-Profit Iemanya Oceanica.
To check out their work ADOPT A SHARK & IEMANYA OCEANICA
