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THE MANAGEMENT OF SHARKS – Conserve Through Trade

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Sharks – Key facts

Sharks have swum the oceans for around 250 million years, residing at the top of the marine food chain. Their only known predators are other sharks and man.

Nearly 400 shark species exist, covering most parts of the world. Among the largest are the whale shark, which can grow to a length of 50 feet (15 meters), and the basking shark at 42 feet (13 meters). The great white can grow to a length of around 25 feet (7.5 meters).

The tiger shark, one of the most feared species, can grow to 20 feet (6 meters) and will eat almost anything. The mako shark measures up to 14 feet (4 meters) and can travel at speeds of 45 mph (72 kmph).

Of the hundreds of millions of sharks in the oceans, many migrate great distances due to climatic, food and environmental factors.

Sharks eat seals, sea lions, bottlenose dolphins and small cetaceans, elephant seals, porpoises, turtles, tuna and other fish, as well as other sharks.

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