Population Threats

Pollution

Pollution significantly affects shark populations through various ways:

Chemical Contaminants:

Sharks can accumulate toxins like heavy metals (e.g., mercury) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in their tissues. These substances can impair reproductive health, weaken immune systems, and reduce overall fitness, impacting their survival and ability to reproduce.

Habitat Degradation:

Pollutants such as plastics and agricultural runoff can degrade marine habitats critical for sharks, including coral reefs and estuaries. Degraded habitats reduce the availability of prey and safe breeding grounds.

Increased Disease Risk:

Contaminated environments can elevate the risk of disease in sharks, as pollutants may compromise their immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections and parasites.