In recent years, the United States has seen a significant increase in shark encounters, causing public worry and fascination. As the frequency of these contacts increases, it becomes more important to investigate the causes of this phenomenon and its implications for human safety and perceptions.
This article aims to provide light on the numerous causes contributing to the increase in shark encounters, ranging from environmental changes to human activities.
Understanding these interactions’ underlying dynamics allows us to better understand the potential threats to humans and the strategies required to foster coexistence between sharks and coastal communities.
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- In The United States, Why Have Shark Encounters Increased?
- In The Last Few Decades, Sharks Have Been Conserved In The US
- For Peaceful Coexistence, Here Is A Mantra
In The United States, Why Have Shark Encounters Increased?
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Shark sightings and shark bites have resulted in the temporary closure of tourist attractions along beaches. Does this imply that the shark population off the shores of the United States has increased? The answer could be yes.
According to a CNN story, researchers believe that long-term conservation measures for sharks have fared well for the ocean critters, and their numbers are slowly rising after years of decline. “Sharks are making a comeback.”
“Their numbers are increasing,” said Dr Bob Hueter, chief scientist at OCEARCH, a non-profit ocean research and education organization. “They’re not overcrowded; they’re probably not even close to what they were in the 1940s and 1950s.” But they’re making a comeback,” Hueter remarked.
In The Last Few Decades, Sharks Have Been Conserved In The US
Instagram/sharkloverss
Shark populations in the United States began to decline after the 1960s due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and other factors. According to Hueter, approximately two-thirds of shark populations in American seas had been wiped out by the 1980s. Conservation measures such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 protected creatures such as grey seals, which sharks eat.
The United States formed the Forbidden Shark Species Group in 1997, which outlawed the possession, sale, and acquisition of many shark species.
“These measures were implemented, and now, 30 years later, we are witnessing the resurgence of the white shark and many other species.” By reintroducing these animals, we are resetting our oceans and restoring biological balance.” Hueter elaborated. However, the global situation for sharks remains terrible, with people killing 73 to 100 million sharks yearly for their fins, according to the Shark Research Institute.
For Peaceful Coexistence, Here Is A Mantra
Instagram/sharkloverss
Using drones to watch sharks in places where humans swim is an excellent technique to avoid shark bites. To avoid combat with sharks, humans should stay in clear water and avoid swimming and travelling into low-visibility areas.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn