Species in Danger

Researchers at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have found that many species of sharks, rays, and fish in the Mediterranean are facing extinction. Loss of habitat, pollution, and “intensive overfishing” has damaged the populations, especially dusky grouper, hake, sea bass, and bluefin tuna. Many of these animals are captured in fishing nets and lines used to capture other fish, which kill the non-targeted species and also destroy the species’ habitats. The study suggests creating new marine reserves, reinforcing regulations on fishing, reducing pollution, and responsible consumption to help conserve the dwindling populations.