They are one of the oldest species on the planet: fossil evidence shows that they sailed in our oceans at least 420 million years ago. Some cultures, such as those found on Pacific islands, have long revered and respected these sea creatures. Fortunately, there are several species still alive: they range from the tiny dwarf lantern shark (which fits in the palm of one hand) to the gigantic whale shark, which can grow up to 10 metres and feeds mainly of plankton. Nothing however compared to the megalodon, a now extinct relative of today’s white shark, which could reach dimensions of well over 20 metres.

The International Shark Day, celebrated on 14th July, comes from an initiative of LIFE ELIFE an European organisation dedicated to the conservation of sharks and rays, a noble project funded by the EU LIFE Programme. WWF has also appealed for support by pledging to monitor regular compliance with all the binding measures recently issued by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and the FAO General Fisheries Commission.

Today, unfortunately, 50% of these magnificent specimens are at risk of extinction: constantly threatened not only by pollution and overheating of the seas and oceans, but also by uncontrolled fishing and trade (their meat, fins, skin and teeth are considered, respectively, a delicacy food and precious trophies). The purpose of the Day is to remind us of the need to preserve the sea and all its inhabitants, starting with those who, like sharks, are among the most unfairly feared; in fact, those who are really familiar with sharks know that this unfair reputation is far from the truth; just to cite a few examples: while fatal shark attacks are about 10 per year, cows kill 20, or again, ants kill 50 and coconuts that fall normally kill 150!

Moreover saving sharks helps mitigate the impact of climate change; through so-called “vertical migrations”, sharks are able to move large quantities of nutrients between different layers of the ocean. In the course of their lives they are able to store large amounts of carbon in their bodies: carbon that is stored on the ocean floor when, after their death, the carcasses of these animals plunge deep into the abysses.