Sharks are caught as bycatch in many fisheries, and some are targeted for their fins, meat, or liver oil. Overfishing is one of the biggest threats to sharks, and it is estimated that up to 100 million sharks are killed each year.
2. Habitat loss
Many sharks live in coastal waters, which are also home to a growing human population. As more and more people move to the coast, they are encroaching on shark habitats and destroying important nursery areas. Climate change is also leading to habitat loss for sharks, as rising sea levels inundate coastal areas and changes in water temperature disrupt their breeding cycles.
3. Pollution
Sharks are exposed to a variety of pollutants from human activities, including sewage, fertilizers, pesticides, and heavy metals. These pollutants can cause health problems in sharks, such as cancer, reproductive problems, and immune system disorders.
4. Hunting
Some people hunt sharks for sport or because they believe they are dangerous to humans. Although sharks do sometimes attack humans, these attacks are very rare. In fact, you are more likely to die from a vending machine accident than from a shark attack.
5. Parasites and diseases
Sharks can also die from parasites and diseases. Some of the most common parasites include tapeworms, roundworms, and flukes. Sharks can also develop bacterial infections, viral infections, and fungal infections. These infections can cause tissue damage, malnutrition, and organ failure.
6. Old age
The average lifespan of a shark is about 20 years, but some sharks can live for much longer. The longest-living shark on record was a Greenland shark that was estimated to be over 400 years old.