SHARK-NATO: A Comparative Analysis of International Shark Conservation to Nationalized Shark Conservation

Sharks are an essential apex predator for the world’s oceans. Human activities, such as finning, are causing their numbers to dwindle rapidly. Their populations cannot sustain high rates of fishing; sharks are slow to mature and reproduce in small numbers. Many efforts, internationally and nationally, have been implemented to conserve current populations, but each method has strengths and weaknesses. International legislative bodies protect shark fisheries because many species swim across jurisdictional boundaries, but there are multiple legislative bodies with different requirements and classifications. Nationalized shark legislation is very efficient when done correctly, with strong monitoring and penalties for offenders. Some of the issues that arise are the need for community involvement and the financial capability to afford the efficient enforcement necessary. The best way to achieve effective shark focused conservation law is to have both a strong international legislative body and create more nationalized regulations. A strong international legislative body would require the most accurate scientific data available, regulate the trade of species, and analyze countries’ cultural practices towards sharks. A well-informed international governing convention with the willingness to listen to cultural practices and the economics of shark based eco-tourism can persuade nations to abide by international legislation as well as create their own regulations. Effective shark based conservation legislation is possible, but requires international and national involvement to make a true impact