Shark Awareness Day
Image Credit: Andrea Bohl
Shark Awareness Day is celebrated on 14th July.
Sharks are cartilaginous fishes, which means that their skeleton is made form cartlidge rather than bone like you and me (unless you are a very clever shark who is reading this). Rays and skates are closely related to sharks as they also have skeletons which are made from cartlidge.
They also have unique skin covered in tiny tooth-like scales called dermal denticles, which help them swim faster and more efficiently.
Their famous rows of teeth are constantly being replaced. They also have a remarkable sense of smell which makes them one of the sea's most effective predators.
So why do we we need an awareness day for them? At present 32% of the 1,199 species of shark, ray, and chimaera (another close relative of the shark) that were assessed were critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable.
This is mainly due to the fact that sharks are caught by humans for their meat or their fins. Since 1970, shark populations have been reduced by 71%, mostly from overfishing and mutilating practice such as shark finning.
You can help sharks by learning more about them and understanding their vital role in the marine ecosystem. As one of the top predators in the ocean they have an important role in controling the numbers of other types of fish.
Fun fact - the collective noun for a group of sharks is a shiver!
Ways To Celebrate Shark Awareness Day
- Visit an aquarium such as one of these top aquariums in the UK and appreciate these magnificent creatures.
- Learn more about sharks, how they live in the ocean, what they eat and how they are not really as dangerous as their reputation might suggest.
- Make your self more knowledgable about the dangers that sharks face from man.