The UN Wildlife Conference held in Manila identified sharks as endangered species and established conservation efforts to protect all species of sharks around the world. The endangered species acknowledged under the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) Act recognized sharks, leopards, lions and chimpanzees in the endangered category and resolved to provide protection to 34 species.

Bradnee Chambers claimed that these migratory species come across difficulties when swimming across waters of different countries; thus, they are vulnerable to lack of protection. This is because some countries may not have robust policies on wildlife protection. He further stated that “everybody has to pitch in” to protect migratory species.

Scientists and experts at IUCN have identified 24% of shark species as threatened. That makes up 10 species of sharks that are critically endangered, according to the IUCN Red List. Even though all species of sharks are at risk of extinction, the species acknowledged by IUCN specialists stand the highest risk of extinction in the near future.

The most endangered shark species were found in California, Mediterranean Sea, Chinese Seas, Australia and Atlantic Oceans. The study proved that the greatest dangers facing sharks include: fin trade, shark control, pollution, climate change, loss of habitat and exploitation. These endangered species can be commonly found in the coastal waters of Pacific and India. For instance, over 70 species of shark fin are being traded in Hong Kong. Most of these sharks are found in waters less than 200 meters deep.

The species that were relatively larger face the greatest threat of extinction. Over 125 countries have now joined the pact to develop stringent policies for shark conservation. The conservation act also added whale sharks to the appendix. Countries would now be better equipped to protect sharks in coastal waters that are preferred hunting sites, including Peru and Madagascar.

Matt Collis stated that countries should participate in the conservation act. The migratory sharks face the most threat because they are easily hunted in different countries. Over 20 million blue sharks are hunted around the world every year. It was further reported that if their numbers decline at this rate, they would become genetically similar and a single disease would be enough to blot out the remaining population.

The CMS also underlined that sharks are largely misunderstood creatures and may in fact prefer to feast on meatier creatures rather than humans, since human bones make it hard for sharks to chew. Whale sharks are the most hunted species around the world; however, Collis claimed that they are relatively gentle creatures.

The countries would now be required to work in collaboration to protect sharks around the world. Even though 126 countries have signed up to protect sharks, several Asian countries, including China, have not participated to protect endangered species. Even though human beings are attacked by sharks in large numbers annually, sharks happen to be more threatened by human activities. The pact is a positive sign; however, several countries still need to jump on-board to preserve biodiversity.      

Hold on to your swim shorts. This isn’t another Syfy movie featuring Tara Reid that involves a

swirling vortex of sharks attacking our sandy beaches.

Since 2011, there has been an increase in Shark attacks reported around the globe. Let's delve

deeper into the great sea and see all the factors that are contributing to this rise.  

Shark attacks in the United States and six other countries have been the main regions for these

attacks and almost 4% of shark attacks from these are other countries account for shark bites.

The countries include Brazil, South Africa, Reunion, Bahamas, and Australia, to name a few and

out of all the places for attacks to happen around the world, nearly half took place in waters in

the United States.

One scary phenomenon is that marine species around the world have been moving north.

Pollution, over populated beaches, and warm weather have all contributed to warmer human

bodies on the beaches. This deadly combination then can become fatal and tragic. Florida

remains the most frequented location in the US that shark attacks take place.

Moving towards the West Coast of the United States, there have been sightings of a

congregation of Sharks located off the surf of Southern California. These sharks are known as

Carcharodon Carcharias. They were found hanging around Dana Point, which is a popular

hotspot for this species.

The Orange County Sheriffs office was contacted on May 10th about the gang of sharks

moving in. The Sheriff Deputy had a helicopter announce on their loudspeaker to inform the

paddleboarders about the sightings of the Great Whites in the water. After taking a closer look

they realized it was a group of about 15 toddler sharks swarming the surf in Southern California

location. The tiny tots ranged from about 1-2 years old and these were not the blood lusting

predators they were first thinking of. These tots generally range from 5-7 feet and they are only

1.5 to 2 meters long. The director of the California State University Shark Lab explains that they

are most likely heading into more shallow waters because it is safer and offers a plethora of

their favorite meals which include stingrays. Lowe also stated that while these shark sightings

are normal in this region, it’s abnormal for this time of year and for the number of sharks seen.

Due to the ever-warming changes in our climate Sharks are having to travel to further lengths to

get their food supply. Global warming is starting to diminish food sources that were easier

accessible before. Globally we are lacking solutions that will help resolve some of the damage

caused to our earth which hurts our sea life.

Sharks have been around for millions of years and will continue to remain amongst us. So, 

up to each one of us to decide.

Is the increase in shark attacks due to a warmer climate? Or perhaps it is simply millions of

years of evolution in the works.

Attention all nature lovers--your workout, chore routine, commute, and bedtime unwind are about to get a whole lot more entertaining. If you thought podcasts were just for sports, serialized true crime, and hard-hitting (ahem, boring) journalism, there is a whole beautiful world of nature and science based podcasts you've been missing out on. Luckily, podcasts have become so mainstream that you can find quality programming on just about any topic, including our beautiful natural world.

1. Nature Podcast

This weekly podcast goes in-depth to explore some of our planet's most fascinating mysteries. Produced by nature.com, it references the high quality journalism the site is known for while adding the charm and dialogue of two passionate hosts, Kerri Smith and Adam Levy. They cover everything from astronomy to neuroscience, highlighting the most exciting research from each issue of Nature Journal, including having the researchers as guests. If you want a relaxing, informative, and educational podcast, definitely subscribe.

2. The Wildlife Podcast

Jason G. Goldman is a cognitive scientist, animal behavior researcher, and science communicator who brings his smarts and savvy to listeners once a week. On each episode of "The Wild Life," he sits down with the most interesting people who work with, teach about, care for, and study animals. The in-depth conversations are wide-ranging, from the science of animal behavior and conservation biology to animal ethics, the wildlife in your own backyard, and beyond.

3. Living on Earth

Living on Earth with Steve Curwood is the weekly environmental news, nature focused, and information program distributed by Public Radio International. They have won dozens of broadcasting and journalism awards as a reflection of their dedication to fact-based, investigative journalism on everything from protecting natural resources to endangered animals. Informative yet easy to listen to, this podcast is perfect for both hardcore science nerds and casual listeners. It's especially great for commutes since each episode is about 20-25 minutes.

4. Stuff You Should Know: The Shark Diaries

While every episode of this podcast is filled with insightful, well-curated information, we know our readers will be especially drawn to their special episode focused on our favorite deep sea creatures: sharks. Hosted by Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark, this podcast approaches every topic with a user-friendly look at how things work. It's not just the technical aspect, but the emotional and physical connections we have to common and unique circumstances in our lives. Their shark-specific podcast follows the New Jersey shark attacks, looking at the conditions, climate, and culture surrounding the incident.

5. All Things Marine Radio Show

All Things Marine is a podcast and talk radio show that highlights marine science and conservation. It's sponsored by COSEE Island Earth and the University of Hawaii Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, so you can rely on the hard-hitting factual content as well as passionate points of view. Hosted by Carlie Wiener, a former program manager for COSEE Island Earth and current communications manager for Schmidt Ocean Institute. On each podcast, she interviews students and faculty from the University of Hawaii and Federal partners in marine sciences and management, giving listeners a focused, expert view on the issues, research, and findings being conducted in the Pacific. All Things Marine has been running since 2012 and has an extensive and fascinating back catalog!