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SHARKS

Most of the world's 315 species of sharks are not dangerous and leave people alone, There are about 50 - 75 shark attacks reported annually of which 5 - 10 result in death ( figures 1995 ). These numbers are almost insignificant when compared to drowning or road accidents.

It is the Great White shark that inspires most fear. This awesome shark grows up to 6 m and weighs more than 2 tonnes. It is the largest of the predatory sharks and is able to eat a seal whole. On the other extreme is a little creature that inhabits the ocean depths, glowing in the dark - it is the lantern shark and is only 20 cms ( 8 in ) long. There are no recorded cases of this beast attacking surfers.

The movie 'Jaws' did not help the cause of shark conservation - some species are in real danger). Sales of shark jaws as ornaments is on the increase and sales of the Great White jaw bones is illegal in South Africa. 

People have found a use for almost every part of the shark's body. The tough skin can be tanned as leather; the teeth used as jewellery; the jaws as souvenirs; the carcass as fertilizer; the fins as soup and the oil from the liver is used in industry, medicine and cosmetics. Much of what is beneficial in the shark's liver can be derived from plants or made artificially so there is no real need to hunt sharks. In present times sharks are mainly exploited for their meat and fins. 

Demand for shark meat will probably continue as human population increases. If fewer people were to use products derived from sharks, their future would be more secure. Otherwise, the effect of continued hunting on the natural balance in the oceans could be disastrous.