Sharks: 'Hundred Million Are Killed A Year'

	Sharks: 'Hundred Million Are Killed A Year' The fish are being caught at an average rate that is 30% to 60% higher than they can sustain, experts have warned.Nearly 100 million sharks are killed each year and they need to be better protected or many species could face possible extinction, according to a new study. The rate of commercial fishing far exceeds what many populations need to recover, scientists have warned. Sharks take years to sexually mature, produce small litters and are exceptionally vulnerable to overfishing. They are being caught at an average rate that is 30% to 60% higher than they can sustain, the study said. The fish are often targeted for their fins, which are used in shark fin soup, a delicacy in Asia where a bowl of it can reportedly sell for £65. The practice known as "shark finning" - where the fish are caught and thrown back after their fins are cut off - is globally widespread, according to the researchers from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada. Some areas including Europe, the US, Canada and Australia have introduced anti-finning legislation but the practice continues in most other parts of the world, they added. Sharks are also caught accidentally by vessels looking for tuna, swordfish and other species. The researchers, using information from nearly 100 papers, estimated global reported catches, unreported landings, discards and finning totalled 97 million fish caught in 2010. The number is only slightly less than the estimated 100 million caught in 2000, and the 2010 figure <b>...</b>	From: robknows100 Views: 0 0 ratings
	Time: 01:00	More in News & Politics