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Sharks Biggest Threat Revealed

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Author Jen Fitschen, BSc Computer Science and Oceanography

spotted gully shark
Spotted Gully Shark in Simons Town. Captured by Jen Fitschen

Beneath the serene surface of our world’s oceans lies a silent invasion that poses a grave threat to the magnificent creatures of the deep, especially sharks. More than 5 trillion pieces of plastic, weighing over 250,000 tonnes, now float in our oceans, with even fish becoming carriers of this insidious menace.

A Sea of Plastic: The Stark Reality

Dusky Shark
Dusky Shark, photographed by Jen Fitschen

It’s hard to fathom the sheer magnitude of the plastic problem that plagues our oceans. Over 5 trillion pieces of plastic, weighing 250,000 tonnes, drift in the vast expanse of our marine ecosystems. This plastic has insinuated itself into every aspect of our lives, from everyday household items to military equipment, and even the creatures that inhabit the seas.

Did You Know? Ocean plastic pollution poses a significant threat to marine life, from the smallest plankton to the largest whales.

Sharks as Scavengers

Sharks, known for their scavenging nature, have been ingesting unusual objects for centuries. Historical records reveal accounts of Mediterranean sharks devouring everything from the body armor of a knight to boat screws, number plates, and even substantial portions of aircraft. This peculiar behavior has persisted over time, suggesting that more sharks are likely to ingest these foreign materials with the increasing presence of plastic in our oceans.

The Hidden Threat

While the direct ingestion of macroplastics may not be a major threat to sharks, as they can often expel inedible items by inverting their stomachs, a more insidious danger lurks. Ghost nets’ and plastic materials directly threaten these magnificent creatures. Ensnared by these discarded nets and debris, sharks like the dusky shark (pictured) suffer grave consequences.

Your Role in Mitigating the Plastic Peril

spotted gully shark
Spotted Gully Shark in Simons Town. Captured by Jen Fitschen

The battle against plastic pollution is one that every individual can partake in. Here are three straightforward actions you can incorporate into your daily life to minimize your plastic footprint and help safeguard our oceans and their inhabitants:

  1. Say No to Disposables: Disposables, such as plastic bags, plates, cups, and bottles, contribute significantly to plastic pollution. Opt for reusable alternatives to these single-use products. Not only does this save you money in the long run, but it also curtails your plastic consumption.
  2. Banish Micro-Plastics: Microplastics or microbeads find their way into our oceans, commonly found in cosmetics like scrubs and toothpaste. Check product ingredients and opt for eco-friendly alternatives that use beads made from natural materials like coconut.
  3. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle: Recycling may seem obvious, but preventing used products from becoming part of the plastic pollution problem is crucial. Ensure your recyclables are properly disposed of to keep plastics from ending in nature.

Wrapping Up

The menace of plastic pollution is no longer confined to the realms of human society. Thus, it has infiltrated the sanctuaries of marine life, including sharks. These apex predators, once rulers of the oceans, now face a silent and pervasive threat. We can collectively reduce our plastic footprint by taking simple yet impactful steps in our daily lives. Furthermore, we can easily join the battle to preserve our oceans and the incredible creatures that call them home. We owe our responsibility to the sharks, the oceans, and future generations.

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