Sharks play a vital role in global and local marine ecosystem functionality. Various studies have proven the removal of shark presence results in an imbalance of species resulting in environmental degradation and fish stock decline. For example, one study in the US showed the elimination of sharks resulted in the destruction of the shellfish industry in waters off the mid-Atlantic states of the United States, due to the unchecked population growth of cow-nose rays, whose mainstay is scallops (Myers et al 2007).  Another study in Belize showed reef systems fell into extreme decline when sharks were overfished, destroying an entire ecosystem. The resulting cascading effects included the spike in grouper population, which resulted in the decimation of the parrotfish population, which increased coral algae concentrations and ultimately made the reef unliveable (Sea Shepherd, 2014). 

Protecting apex predators in ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef and along Qld's coastline is vital to ensure the longevity of the fragile ecosystems, in turn, supporting local tourism and fishing industries. Supporting industries such as surfing and tourism while maintaining healthy shark populations requires finding a balance between protecting this keystone species and providing an environment safe for human users. I do not support lethal shark control - I think society's opinion towards sharks must be altered so to understand the need for these animals to exist in their natural ecosystems to fulfil their natural duty of maintaining ecosystem balance.

"If there is one message we are trying to get across here is it that, if we can’t save the whales, and the sharks, the turtles, the fish, the great whites and tiger sharks, we are not going to save the oceans. And if the oceans die; we die. We can’t live on this planet with a dead ocean." - Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Myers R A, Baum J K, Shepherd T D, Powers S P, & Peterson C H (2007). Cascading effects of the loss of apex predatory sharks from a coastal ocean. Science, 315(5820), 1846-1850. doi:10.1126/science.1138657

Sea Shepherd (2014). Why are sharks important?   Retrieved from <http://www.seashepherd.org.au/apex-harmony/overview/shark-importance.html>

I do not support the lethal shark control program. Sharks are very important marine species that help maintain the balance of the ecosystem. The methods of catching sharks is not very productive because other marine species are being caught as well such as turtles. Without sharks, it will affect the entire food web in the ecosystem.

The reading assigned this week wrote about a few alternative solutions to shark poaching. One of the solutions is ecotourism. Shark ecotourism has the potential to provide millions of dollars each year providing thousands of jobs to people.

 

Another alternative solution to the lethal shark control program, is to have advanced technology that will warn beach goers about sharks in the area.  Researchers are working on creating a magnetic field that will repel sharks. Technology like this can be used to create barriers for people to go swimming in (Geremy & Sheldon, 2011). The government should also invest in hiring more life guards and providing educational programs to teach people about sharks and shark safety. These two ideas can help reduce the amount of shark attacks.  

Cliff Geremy, Dudley Sheldon F. J. (2011) Reducing the environmental impact of shark-control programs: a case study from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Marine and Freshwater Research 62, 700-709.

BBC News. (2017). Shark attacks: A magnetic solution? - BBC News. [online] Available at: http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-17792624 [Accessed 6 Sep. 2017].