Hey ocean lovers! 🌊 Ever heard of great white sharks nearing extinction in the Mediterranean? Recent research by the Blue Marine Foundation spots Tunisia as a top illegal fishing hotspot, and it’s no joke. Here's the scoop:
Why Tunisia matters: In Bizerte, a historic port in northern Africa, fishermen say encounters with great whites 🦈 are up. But instead of safe releases, accidental catches are ending up in local markets for just $3–5. As one fisherman told CGTN: “It sells for $3–5, making it an affordable protein source for many.” Cheap shark meat? Not a good vibe.
Big risks for small communities: Great whites are apex predators—they keep marine food chains balanced. Overfishing of valuable fish species, plus rising sea temps from climate change, push sharks closer to shore, upping human–shark run-ins ⚠️.
Fishing meets finance: When fish stocks drop, local fishers feel the pinch. Some turn to selling protected sharks to make ends meet. This illegal catch threatens shark populations and the reefs and fisheries that coastal families depend on.
What’s next?
- Stronger enforcement of fishing regulations
- Awareness campaigns in coastal communities
- Training in sustainable fishing methods
For us in South and Southeast Asia—know how our own coastal regions, from Kerala’s backwaters to Indonesia’s islands, face similar threats. Protecting sharks helps safeguard our seas and our livelihoods 🌍✨.
Let’s stand up for smart fishing and save these ocean guardians! 🦈💙
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
