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Sharks
have evolved over millions of years, adapting into highly specialized
predators occupying important niches in coral reef ecology.
However, after intensive fishing in the past 30 years, more
than half of all shark species are now seriously threatened
with extinction. Most of these sharks are caught as bycatch
or are killed for their fins for shark fin soup, an Asian delicacy.
Recent studies indicate that reef shark removal drastically
impacts the coral reef community they inhabit. |
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Coral
reefs are host to the greatest biological diversity in the oceans.
Coral reefs are essential to island cultures for subsistence
and for protection from storms. Up to 70% of the world's coral
reefs are threatened or destroyed due to human impacts, including
sedimentation, land-based pollution, overfishing, and climate
change. |
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Living
in close association with sharks and coral reefs, Polynesian
people have developed an oceanic culture, with songs, dances
and mythology about the Pacific Ocean and its creatures. Tahitians
and Hawaiians share a traditional concept of marine protection
that includes fisheries management and coral reef conservation.
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Over
10% of the land area in the world has some form of protected
status. Although the ocean is 71% of the Earth’s surface,
less than 0.5% of the sea is in protected areas. Marine Protected
Areas -such as the National Marine Sanctuary currently proposed
for the Northwest Hawaiian Islands- have demonstrated success
in protecting ocean habitat and even benefiting fisheries.
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