Dangers and Conservation
Although shark attacks are a relatively rare phenomenon, the tiger shark is responsible for a large percentage of fatal attacks and is regarded as one of the most dangerous shark species. They are often found in river estuaries and harbors, as well as shallow water close to shore, where they are likely to encounter humans. The tiger shark also dwells in river mouths and other runoff-rich water. On average, three to four shark attacks occur per year in Hawaii, and most attacks are not fatal. This attack rate is surprisingly low considering thousands of people swim, surf and dive in Hawaiian waters every day. A tiger shark attack made headlines in October, 2003, when (then 13-year-old) American surfer Bethany Hamilton lost her arm near her shoulder. A large tiger shark was killed and hung, and later measured; based on its size and bite pattern, it was presumed to be the shark which attacked Hamilton.
Between 1959 and 1976, 4,668 tiger sharks were culled in an effort to protect the tourism industry. Despite these efforts, attacks did not decrease. It is illegal to feed sharks in Hawaii, and interaction with them, such as cage diving, is discouraged. South African shark behavioralist and shark diver, Mark Addison, demonstrated divers could interact and dive with them outside of a shark cage in 2007 Discovery Channel special.
The tiger shark is captured and killed for its fins, flesh, and liver. It is caught regularly in target and nontarget fisheries. Several populations evidently have declined where they have been heavily fished, but in general, they do not face a high risk of extinction. Continued demand, though, especially for fins, may result in further declines in the future. Tiger sharks are considered a near threatened species due to excessive finning and fishing by humans according to International Union for Conservation of Nature.
While shark fin has very few nutrients, shark liver has a high concentration of vitamin A which is used in the production of vitamin oils. In addition, the tiger shark is captured and killed for its distinct skin, as well as by big game fishers.
In 2010, Greenpeace International added the tiger shark to its seafood red list, which is a list of fish commonly sold around the world, and which have a very high risk of being sourced from unsustainable fisheries.
Read more about this topic: Tiger Shark
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