Blue Shark Populations Dropping: Threats To Other Pelagic Species Worse Than Thought - BBC

The threat to ocean-going sharks is more severe than previously thought, according to conservation experts. Scientists with the World Conservation Union, which publishes the Red Lists of Threatened Species, have upgraded the "threat" category of several sharks.

Those now considered "vulnerable to extinction" include the shortfin mako, a favourite of recreational fishermen, and the long-tailed thresher shark.

Scientists say over-fishing is a principal reason for the decline. The World Conservation Union's (IUCN) shark specialist group announced its re-assessments at a workshop in Oxford, UK.

"Despite mounting threats and evidence of decline, there are no international catch limits for pelagic (ocean-going) sharks," said Sonja Fordham, deputy chair of the shark specialist group and policy director for the Shark Alliance. "The workshop results underscore the urgent need for international fishery commissions to limit fishing for these vulnerable species and strengthen regulations on the wasteful practice of finning."

EDIT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6385995.stm

during a pelagic birding trip at the Hudson Canyon in the Atlantic, about 90 miles offshore, We were chumming, trying to attract seabirds, and this absolutely huge gorgeous majestic Blue Shark came right up to our boat. It was incredible, such a beautiful creature, and it was a joy to see it in its wild enviroment. I was surprised at how docile it seemed, none of that dramatic biting behavior we see on Animal Planet. The shark kinda hung around for about 15 minutes, wondering what the heck we were doing, and made no attempt to attack other birds (mostly gulls and one particularly suicidal Greater Shearwater).

I wonder what it would take for more people to appreciate the beauty of these animals. There are fisherman who love the sea and worry about conservation issues, but it's the other greedy ones that are in it for the money who are causing so much pain.