conservation white shark

Conservation

This 2080 lb white shark was caught on a longline off Cape Fear, NC in 1984, photo by S.W. Ross©

Overall population estimates for this species are unknown and even regional and localized estimates are questionable. It has been proposed that white sharks should be afforded protection for the same reasons as other top carnivores. In addition to being rare, they are important participants in a complicated food web. As with most species of shark, white sharks are slow-growing animals with low productivity and are therefore highly vulnerable to overfishing. Fortunately, the threat of habitat loss appears minimal to white sharks. They are adaptable predators capable of shifting diet as conditions dictate and may simply cease to inhabit an area with little food. The most significant problem in applying definitive measures in favor of the white shark remains the lack of data, such as fecundity, age, growth, and population numbers. Considering the lack of data, it has been proposed that protective measures should be based on a precautionary principle, until more biological information has been collected. Researchers do know that shark populations, including the white shark, will inevitably dwindle unless careful measures are implemented. Some governments, such as those in South Africa, Australia and the United States, have already afforded protection to the white shark. At present, the white shark is listed as "vulnerable" by the World Conservation Union (IUCN).