e n d a n g e r e d s p e c i e s
In recent decades, populations of eastern semipalmated sandpipers have been declining dramatically. Though habitat loss and climate change have aided this population decline, strong evidence crowns commercial fishing as the main cause, since fishing pressure decreases sandpiper prey.
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In May 2019, the United Nations published their first report on biodiversity. The report noted that over 1 million plants and animals are currently facing extinction. This reduction of biodiversity is primarily caused by humans (1) destroying habitats for developing communities and creating farmland, (2) overfishing, (3) burning fossil fuels, (4) polluting land and water, and (5) allowing invasive species.
UN Report: Nature’s Dangerous Decline ‘Unprecedented’; Species Extinction Rates ‘Accelerating’
The global shark trade does not only involve shark fins for products like shark fin soup, but shark meat itself for food, cosmetic, and health products. The demand for shark meat has increased over 40% since 2000, in countries in Southeast Asia, the US, Europe, and South America.
Photo by Ellie Jones