A new report out says that Sharks usually found in reefs, are in decline.
The report on Sharks was published by nature and is called the 'Global status and conservation of potential of reef Sharks'.
The report specifically focuses on Reef Sharks. Reef Sharks are already classified as a near threatened species; which means thaat Reef Sharks are nearly threatened with extinction.
The Habitat Of Reef Sharks
Reef Sharks are only found in specific habitats, which makes these habitats important for the survival of these animals. These animals are only found in tropical waters.
These are the following habitats Reef Sharks are found within:
. Near coral reefs
. Within mangroves
. Within sea grass beds
With Reef Sharks being limited to just a few habitats - all of them water habitats, it means that the few habitats that they are found within are important for preserving these animals.
What Does The New Report Say About The Shark Decline?
The new report published by nature has found that 20% of the reefs they examined did not have Sharks within them. Therefore, this now means that Reef Sharks are now absent from several countries that the Reef Sharks were once present within.
They found that the decline in Reef Sharks was because of socio-economic reasons. In other words, the decline of Reef Sharks was down to social factors and economic factors. These socio-economic factors are things such as the human population, poor governance and fishing.
The Good News From The Report
There is also good news from the report.
The good news from the report is that it says that there are ''opportunites'' for a better future for Reef Sharks. The opportunities that the report states are that Reef Sharks can be helped and have a more positive future by having things such as Shark sancturies or fish catch limits.
Working to protect the Reef Sharks and their habitat is how we can protect these animals.
If you want to read the full report, you can read it - here.
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