Global shark and ray populations have plummeted 71% in the past 50 years nearing a point of no return By Sophie Lewis Shark populations decimated around the world
Shark and ray populations around the world have declined a staggering 70% over the past 50 years and scientists say humans are to blame. If nothing changes, overfishing could soon wipe them out completely.
A new study, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, measures shark and ray populations from 1970 to 2018, finding a 71.1% decrease. Three-quarters of the species are now threatened with extinction, and scientists say the true collapse is likely even worse than their findings.
Researchers hope the study serves as an urgent wake-up call.