"Celebrate World Basking Shark Day, a reminder that our oceans hold mysteries and marvels that are worth protecting. Let these gentle giants inspire us to be stewards of the sea, ensuring a future where they continue to glide through our blue planet's waters."
INTRODUCTION:
World Basking Shark Day, a day, dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about one of the ocean's most enigmatic and gentle giants, represents a significant milestone in the realm of marine conservation. Held annually on 3rd of November, this event serves as an opportunity to spotlight the basking shark, the world's second-largest fish species, and draw attention to the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures and the oceans they inhabit.
HISTORY OF THE WORLD BASKING SHARK DAY:
World basking shark day is basically celebrated for the conservation of shark as they are the world’s second largest fish species.
Concern for Basking Sharks: Basking sharks, often described as the gentle giants of the ocean, have faced various threats, including bycatch in fisheries, habitat degradation, and climate change. Concern for their conservation has grown as our understanding of their ecological importance and vulnerability has increased.
Conservation Organizations and Enthusiasts: Conservation organizations, marine biologists, and environmental enthusiasts have played a pivotal role in advocating for the protection of basking sharks. These groups often work to raise awareness about the species' importance and the threats it faces.
Public Engagement: Building public awareness and engagement is a critical step in promoting the conservation of any species. This often involves public outreach efforts, educational campaigns, and social media initiatives.
Establishing a Dedicated Day: In the course of advocating for basking shark conservation, supporters may propose the establishment of a dedicated "World Basking Shark Day" to draw global attention to the species. This would typically involve coordination with relevant authorities and organizations.
BASKING SHARK HOTSPOTS:
Some notable basking shark hotspots around the world:
· The Hebrides, Scotland
· Malin Head, Ireland
· Bay of Fundy, Canada
· New England, USA
· Isle of Man, United Kingdom
· Norwegian Fjords, Norway
· Eastern South Africa
IMPORTANCE OF BASKING SHARK IN ECOSYSTEM:
Basking sharks play a significant role in marine ecosystems, and their presence is crucial for the health and balance of marine systems. Some key aspects of the importance of basking sharks in the ecosystem are as follows
1. Basking sharks are filter feeders, primarily consuming plankton, including copepods, krill, and small fish. By doing so, they help control the population of these small organisms, preventing overpopulation and maintaining the balance of the planktonic community.
2. Basking sharks occupy a significant position in the marine food web. They serve as a food source for larger predators, such as killer whales and large sharks, contributing to the trophic structure of marine ecosystems.
3. Basking sharks are found in various oceanic regions and habitats, from coastal waters to the open ocean. This distribution allows them to have a presence in diverse marine ecosystems, from shallow, nearshore areas to deep, offshore waters.
4. The presence of basking sharks in certain areas can contribute to the designation of marine protected areas (MPAs) and the conservation of these regions. MPAs help protect the overall health and biodiversity of the oceans.
5. The study of basking sharks provides valuable insights into the behaviour and ecology of these animals, as well as the broader marine ecosystems. This research can lead to better conservation strategies and management practices.
THREATS:
Basking sharks face various threats to their survival, many of which are linked to human activities and environmental changes. Understanding these threats is essential for the conservation of this species.
1. Human activities that lead to habitat degradation, such as coastal development, pollution, and disruption of critical breeding and feeding areas, can negatively impact basking sharks.
2. Changes in ocean temperatures and currents associated with climate change can affect the distribution and availability of plankton, the primary food source for basking sharks. Altered prey distribution can impact their foraging success.
3. The overfishing of small pelagic fish and plankton, which are important food sources for basking sharks, can lead to food scarcity and reduce their ability to find sufficient nutrition.
4. Underwater noise pollution from activities such as shipping, construction, and oil and gas exploration can disrupt the communication and behaviour of basking sharks, potentially leading to stress or displacement from critical habitats.
5. The destruction and alteration of basking shark habitats, such as important breeding and nursery areas, can lead to a decline in their populations.
Efforts to mitigate these threats to basking sharks include the establishment of protected areas, improved fishing practices, conservation measures, research to better understand their behaviour and ecology, and educational initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of these gentle giants and the need for their conservation.
LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS FOR BASKING SHARK CONSERVATION:
Conservation of basking sharks is a critical concern, various countries and international organizations have implemented legislation and regulations to protect these gentle giants. These legal measures aim to reduce threats to basking shark populations and promote their conservation. Some of the key legislative and regulatory actions taken for basking shark conservation:
·International Agreements:
A) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Basking sharks are listed on Appendix II, which regulates international trade in their products. This listing helps control the export and import of basking shark products.
B) Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Basking sharks are listed under the CMS, which seeks to conserve migratory species and their habitats. This listing promotes international cooperation in their conservation.
·National Legislation:
A. United Kingdom: Basking sharks are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which prohibits intentional killing, injuring, or taking of these sharks. The Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 offers similar protections in Northern Ireland.
B. Ireland: Basking sharks are protected under the Wildlife Act 1976 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. These acts prohibit the intentional killing or injuring of basking sharks.
C. Canada: In Canadian waters, basking sharks are protected under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). This act mandates the development of recovery strategies to protect and recover the species.
D. United States: Basking sharks are protected in U.S. federal waters under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. They are prohibited from being targeted by fisheries.
CONCLUSION:
World Basking Shark Day reminds us of the profound connections that bind us to the natural world and underscores the importance of protecting these gentle giants and the oceans they inhabit. It is a day to honour the wonder of nature and the beauty of our planet's biodiversity while committing to the preservation of these remarkable creatures for future generations. Ultimately, the conservation of basking sharks is a testament to our shared responsibility as stewards of our blue planet and the need for ongoing dedication to the preservation of marine life and ecosystems.
References:
WRITTEN BY:
TANU DAYAL (BAP) 2ND YEAR [ MHV Volunteer]
TANUJA ( CHEMISTRY HONS ) 2ND YEAR [ MHV Volunteer]
Comments