It is not easy to get sympathy for sharks these days, the media has constantly told us that sharks are evil, man-eating monsters and they have traditionally been portrayed as vicious killers in motion pictures. The news media has not been much better and coverage of shark attacks still sensationalize any attacks and never show sharks unless they are engaged in feeding or aggressive behaviors. In reality, of the 450 some species of sharks in the world today, only about a dozen are actually a threat to humans.

Seventy percent of Americans surveyed in 2003 believed that sharks are dangerous and that shark populations are too high. That same mentality continues and the public’s misconceptions about sharks perpetuate the continued over-exploitation and depletion of the species today. In order to dispel the negative image of sharks in the media it is critical to provide the public with accurate and scientific information and raise awareness of the conservation needs of sharks.

In just the last two decades some shark species have been depleted up to 80 percent. The fact that sharks grow slowly and have very few offspring makes them very vulnerable to over-fishing and other forms of human exploitation. Since sharks are the top predators in their niches they are a vital component of the ocean’s ecosystems and if they are fished to extinction it will have potential negative effects for all other organisms in the oceans.

You can get involved and make a difference in the survival of sharks simply by avoiding shark products. Consumer choices make a difference and by not eating shark and shark fin soup or buying shark products such as jaws, skins, teeth, cartilage pills or shark liver oil, you will make a contribution. You can also make responsible seafood choices and buy only ocean-friendly seafood to support fisheries that are healthier for ocean wildlife and the environment.

If you want to get more directly involved you can contact your local fisheries policy officials and ask them to ensure your state or county has an effective plan of action for shark conservation.

A group of recreational fishermen in Australia recently had the commercial fishing lobby in that nation all fired up when the group claimed the commercial shark fishing industry was overfishing southern coastal waters. The recreational fishermen say the gill nets used by commercial shark fishing operations were indiscriminately wiping out the local stocks of prized scale fish as they fished for sharks.

The criticism was not well-received by the commercial shark fishermen in Australia who dismissed the over-fishing claims as ill-informed and hysterical reactionary behavior and that the calls for them to be banned from fishing in coastal waters off the Australia were out of order. The commercial fishing sector that is largely represented by the WA Fishing Industry Council, hit back at the claims as Council executive officer Guy Leyland said the comments were the “superficial arguments of disgruntled fishermen that ignored many of the facts.” Leyland argued that WA Council’s shark fishermen were subject to some of the toughest by-catch restrictions in the world and this ensured the fishery was sustainable and not a threat to other species of sport fish. He also stressed that the commercial shark fishery was vital to the State’s restaurant and hospitality industry. Local commercial shark fishing businessmen also discounted the criticism saying that the populations of sharks and other fish stocks off the south Australian coast were in perfectly healthy shape and the suggestion that gill nets were destroying fish populations was totally wrong.

Commercial fishermen around the planet usually claim they already labor under unfairly strict laws governing their trade, and very few are likely to welcome additional restraints. But if recreational sport fish stocks as well as local shark populations are to continue to be able to provide adequate numbers for commercial and recreational uses in the future, new legislation and restrictions are inevitable. One thing is certain, the sharks and fish can’t file a protest on their own. Only humans concerned with preserving the oceans and all the life within them can do that.

Although it is not recommended for all divers, there are a growing number of people in the diving community who dive in and around sharks for both scientific and recreational purposes. Underwater photography of sharks is frequently cited as the purpose of diving with sharks and if you think you’d like to give it a try, you should probably learn more about diving in the company of sharks. The best advice is always to be prepared of course. Do some research in advance and learn what kinds of sharks you are likely to encounter in the particular area you plan to dive in. This will give you a chance to learn what kind of behavior to expect of the different species’ you will encounter. In addition to all the normal dive safety practices, you‘ll need to keep in mind that danger increases with increasing depths. The decreased visibility of dives at night or in strong currents, along with the added burden of carrying equipment can be challenging when in a group of sharks.

However, the ocean itself presents far more danger than any shark ever could, and it is critical to know your own limitations before you attempt to dive with or without sharks. You’ll need to have a meeting with your diving buddies and discuss your dive and contingency plans before you get into the water with sharks.

Although sharks and rays are found throughout all of the world’s oceans, there are certain areas where certain species are found in huge numbers. Great numbers of sharks congregate in particular hot spots due primarily to the natural life cycles of different species. Sometimes they will also congregate in areas where there is artificial encouragement like an abundance of human-provided food. Some of the world’s shark hot spots are well-known like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia where huge numbers of sharks are found, and others are not so well-known, like the huge numbers of hammerhead sharks found near the Cocos Islands off Costa Rica. The interest and activity surrounding shark diving has resulted in an expansion in the numbers of boat tours, dive shops, and resorts that facilitate divers getting to the action. If you are in search of the ultimate encounter diving with sharks, starting at one of the world’s shark-filled hot spots will guarantee that you’ll see some action.

Worlds’ Top 20 Shark Diving Hotspots –

1. Catalina Island, California, USA
2. Baja California, Mexico
3. Cape Point, South Africa
4. Quadra Island, British Columbia, Canada
5. Hornby Island, British Columbia, Canada.
6. Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA.
7. Dyer Island, South Africa
8. Cocos Island, Costa Rica
9. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico – Bull Sharks
10. St Maarten, Netherland Antilles
11. Tiger Beach, Bahamas
12. Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras
13. Ningaloo Reef, Australia
14. Southwest Rocks, Australia
15. Dangerous Reef, Australia
16. Darwin Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
17. Dyer Island, South Africa
18. Malapascua, Philippines
19. Nassau, Bahamas.
20. Elphinstone, Egypt

It is not surprising that many people are terrified of the prospect of being attacked by a shark, the human fear of sharks is rooted in natural survival instinct. However, out of some 450 different species of sharks found on Earth, only about 30 have ever been reported to attack human beings. All sharks are potentially dangerous predators and should be treated with respect, but they don’t really go out of their way to eat humans and only about a dozen of the most aggressive species should be considered truly dangerous when encountered.

The human fear of sharks is rooted far in our past when people had to be on constant alert for predators. Today, we are constantly subjected to the media’s stereotypic characterization of sharks, which are usually full of misinformation and actively promote fear. The “Jaws” film series played to the same idea and since humans cannot control sharks, we still fear them. Although the three shark species responsible for most of the unprovoked attacks on humans are the white shark, tiger shark and bull shark, the actual chances you will ever be bitten by one are extremely small compared to other animal attacks or natural disasters.

It is estimated that there are only about 60 shark attacks that occur worldwide every year, although the number of attacks has been increasing due to ever-expanding human population putting more people into the oceans for recreational activities. As long as humans continue to enter the sharks’ environment, there will be shark attacks, however far more people drown in the ocean every year than are bitten by sharks and the few attacks that do occur every year are usually due to cases of mistaken identity. When humans attempt to touch sharks when feeding them or removing them from fishing nets, the result is often an attack provoked by the human activity in the first place.

Unprovoked attacks happen when divers or swimmers do not see a shark and the shark makes the first contact with a hit and run attack. Hit and run attacks happen most often near beaches where a shark may mistake humans for their normal prey fish. The shark will make one quick bite, release and swim away. Legs or arms are the usual casualties and the injuries are mostly non life-threatening. Sneak attacks are more serious and usually take place in deeper waters. The victim will not see any sharks before the attack and the results are often fatal in the open ocean, especially if there is more than one attack. Bump and bite attacks take longer and occur when a shark circles and then bumps a victim before biting. A repeated bump and bite attack can often be fatal.

The chances of being attacked by a shark can be minimized if swimmers stay in groups since sharks are far more likely to attack individual s swimming alone. Swimming too far from shore is dangerous too, as it isolates a lone human target and puts it far away from help. One thing that will greatly reduce the chance of a shark attack is to simply avoid the water at night or in twilight when sharks are most active and are actively hunting for food. Everyone has heard that you should never go into the water if you are bleeding in any way and it is true, shark’s have acute olfactory abilities and will find the source of blood quickly.

Some people think wearing shiny metal items or jewelry that reflects light like fish scales can arouse a sharks’ unwanted curiosity. Others say not to splash around in the water and to not allow pets in the water because both activities create erratic movements that a shark might interpret as prey. One tip that has proven quite true is to avoid swimming near sandbars or near steep drop-offs, both are known hangouts for sharks.

If you’re terrified of these predators of the deep, you’re not alone, but you don’t have to let the fear stop you from going in the water at all. There are ways you can enjoy the water without being scared silly:
* Swim in clear waters with good visibility where you can see what’s around you without wondering what creatures are lurking nearby
* Get educated to understand how minimal your real chances of being attacked by a shark really are, regardless of how many times you’ve seen a bloody attack on TV or the movies.
* Expand your boundaries gradually, start with small, safe areas and work your way up to bigger challenges later.
* Arm yourself with information and learn all you can about your local waterways and how to avoid attracting unwanted deep-sea predators.

Sharks are often in the news spotlight as a dangerous menace and while sharks are not exactly friendly toward humans, they are almost completely misunderstood by the public. This has created a situation where the myths surrounding sharks are more widely circulated than the truth about these masters of the deep. When we take a closer look and dispel some of the most popular myths, it is easy to see that sharks are more intelligent and interesting, and far less dangerous than people might think.

Common myths and misconceptions surrounding sharks:

MYTH: A shark is a shark.
There are over 350 species of sharks that all have different habitats, lifestyles and bodies.

MYTH: Shark attacks are common
Shark attacks are actually quite rare and seldom fatal.

MYTH: Sharks will eat just about anything.
Most sharks are finicky eaters and have definite preference. Only a handful of species are indiscriminant.

MYTH: Most sharks eat people.
More than 80% of all shark species are unable to hurt people.

MYTH: Sharks eat all the time.
Sharks only eat when they need to depending on the availability of food in their area.

MYTH: Sharks are hard to kill.
Most sharks are easily killed in hook-and-line or net fishing.

MYTH: Sharks are dumb.
Sharks’ are intelligent creatures with relatively large and complex brains.

MYTH: Sharks always swim fast.
Most sharks swim slowly at speeds less than 5 miles per hour.

MYTH: Sharks always attack at night.
Most attacks occur in daylight.

MYTH: Sharks must swim constantly to stay alive.
Some sharks do swim constantly, but many can rest on the bottom

MYTH: Sharks have poor vision.
Sharks’ eyes are seven times more powerful than a human’s.

MYTH: The Great White Shark is common near beaches visited by humans.
Great Whites prefer cooler offshore waters

MYTH: Whale sharks are dangerous predators.
Whale sharks feed on plankton like whales.

MYTH: Sharks are incapable of learning.
Sharks can be trained.

MYTH: sharks can’t get diseases.
Sharks are susceptible to cancer.

MYTH: Sharks are only found in saltwater.
The bull shark can easily handle changes from fresh water to the ocean.

MYTH: Sharks must roll on their sides to bite.
Sharks can attack and do bite in any direction they want to.

MYTH: Sharks have no enemies in the ocean.
Humans are the greatest enemy of sharks and kill millions of them every year.

MYTH: When a shark approaches, you should punch it in the nose as hard as you can.
Agitating or injuring a shark can make it more aggressive. If you feel threatened, poke it in the eyes or gills instead of the nose.

MYTH: Shark cartilage pills can help prevent cancer.
There is no scientific evidence that shark cartilage cures or prevents any disease, let alone cancer.

MYTH: Sharks will always be found in abundance on the earth.
Due to pressure from overfishing and habitat loss many species of shark are now endangered and threatened with complete extinction.

Researchers have argued about why hammerhead sharks might have evolved with such strange shaped heads featuring wide-set eyes ever since the shark was first described over 200 years ago. The main source of disagreement concerned whether or not the unusual hammerhead design made it more or less difficult for the shark to see things around it. Serious debate over the hammerhead’s visual capabilities stated years ago when some suggested that the position of a hammerhead shark’s eyes prevented it from having binocular vision. Others countered by suggesting that the wide distance between a hammerhead’s eyes would actually give it excellent binocular vision.

The hypothesis that having eyes on either side of such a wide hammer-shaped head allows the sharks to see better has finally been proven to be true. A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology shows that the hammerhead shape gives sharks outstanding binocular vision and an ability to see 360 degrees around.

Dr. Michelle McComb from Florida Atlantic University and colleagues from the University of Hawaii placed sensors on hammerhead sharks to measure the brain activity when the animals reacted to beams of light from different locations around a research aquarium tank. The process enabled the researchers to measure each shark’s field of vision and confirmed that hammerhead sharks actually do have excellent binocular vision.

The hammerhead’s eyes are tilted slightly forward, and the position allows the field of vision of each separate eye to significantly overlap the other. The researchers also discovered that because hammerheads constantly move their head sideways as they swim along, they can see what is behind them too. Their unusual-looking configuration actually permits hammerheads to see 360 degrees around them in the vertical plane, meaning they can see almost everything above and below them all the time. The hammerheads’ excellent vision improves their ability to catch prey and also may be beneficial to small hammerheads that don’t want to end up as dinner for larger sharks.

Now that scientists have proven the hammerhead shark does have binocular vision, other researchers went about the task of determining just how good that vision might be among all sharks and not just hammerheads. A recent study from the University of Western Australia and the University of Queensland, Australia published in the journal Naturwissenschaften has determined that sharks are probably color-blind.

Unlike human eyes that have three different color-sensitive cone cell types, shark eyes have only one cone cell that is sensitive to just one color wavelength. The Australian team examined the retinas of 17 different shark species and found that ten of the species had no color-sensitive cone cells at all. Of the 7 species that did have cone cells, only a single cell type sensitive to just one color wavelength was present, leading the researchers to conclude that almost all sharks are probably color-blind.

The research suggests that contrast against a background might the most important factor for object detection by sharks and that designing new swimming gear and boating items that have lower visual contrast could help to prevent some attacks in the future. It may be a while before the hypothesis that less visual contrast equals less attraction for sharks can be proven, but anything that results in fewer shark attacks on humans is always welcome knowledge.

Despite the fact that nature’s most awesome predators continue to fascinate researchers and scholars worldwide, there are almost no large sharks in captivity available for study. One of the main problems associated with large predatory captive shark studies is that they are so difficult and dangerous to capture. Sharks are large and strong creatures, and when in hunting mode they can be quite aggressive and difficult to handle without harming them.

Once a shark has been caught, it can be very difficult to transport safely. Sharks are sensitive to any nearby electromagnetic signals and all vehicles and equipment used to transport them must be electronically neutral so that they do not interfere with their receptive signals. Moving a shark from the ocean to a tank is another tough job. Sharks don’t have a skeleton to support their weight out of water and they can crush their own internal organs under the weight of their bodies during transit. If they can be transferred safely to an aquarium, providing adequate space for the shark to hunt and travel around in can be another big and expensive challenge. It is all too common for captive sharks to be placed into small and unsuitable tanks where they will not survive for long.

Today, the most successful commercial and home shark aquariums will usually contain only smaller species of sharks that can hunt for small fish and crustaceans under the ocean bed and do not require vast territories to swim and feed. The most common species of captive sharks found in aquariums today are the Hornshark, Leopard Shark and Catshark.

Unfortunately, the most popular shark in the world today is the Great White Shark, a creature that is totally unsuitable for aquarium life. The Great White is also one of the most prolific sharks in the world, making them easy to locate and capture when young. A captive Great White is almost sure to die prematurely due to several factors including the fact that they must keep moving and cannot be restrained for any significant period of time. Great whites are also highly susceptible to stress due to lack of movement during transport. Great Whites also need to be kept in very large tanks because they are big creatures that cannot make sharp turns. They need huge tanks that are free of obstacles and free of electromagnetic stimuli like electric cables and pumping equipment that can constantly irritate the shark’s senses.

As time passes and the technology improves, shark researchers will undoubtedly gain a greater understanding of the physical requirements of the different shark species and how to care for them. Improved technology for the capture and transportation of sharks will also improve the chances of keeping big sharks in captivity. Until then however, your chances of seeing a Great White up close in captivity are not very good.

Sharks are feared as dangerous killing machines mainly because people don’t know much about their true behavior and motivation. In addition to being magnificent and fascinating creatures to study, sharks play a vital role in the maintenance of every marine environment they frequent. Sharks are the apex predators at the top of the underwater food chain and without them, the underwater ecosystem would rapidly become unbalanced and their prey populations would explode. The stability of the entire marine environment depends on how predators, prey and the ecosystem all fit together.

Sharks traditionally hunt prey that is sick or weak, ensuring that only the fittest prey survive and that subsequent generations are composed of only the healthiest animals.

The sharks themselves face their own population challenges as they are very slow to reach maturity and their reproductive capacity is considerably lower than many other marine animals. Both factors put them = at risk for maintaining adequate population numbers.

Perhaps the biggest challenge sharks face today is the increasing demand for shark products. Sharks fins are frequently cut off while they are still alive, and then the crippled creatures are cruelly tossed back into the ocean to die. Many sharks are also face over-fishing for the oils inside their liver. As a result, it is estimated that over one hundred million sharks are killed every year with some species losing over 90% of their population in just the last two decades alone. Effective conservation legislation benefiting sharks is almost nonexistent and pollution and industrial development put additional strains on the number of sharks in the oceans. As oil and toxins fill the waters, it has a direct effect on both sharks and their prey, and finding clean water is becoming increasingly challenging for both.

Today, there are new organizations working to ensure that people become more aware of the problems facing sharks and what it takes to preserve their habitat. One of the most successful approaches has been to create sustainable tourist initiatives, since tourism is where the largest number of people can be educated and the most funding can be obtained. Sustainable shark tourism is particularly important in developing countries where fishermen need ongoing education to help prevent the collapse of their local ecosystems. As more people learn about the overall value of sharks in the marine environment it will become easier to foster a sense of respect and responsibility towards these magnificent creatures and replace the current attitude of fear and hatred that threatens their existence.

With increased tracking (both via satellite and by visual means) and improved studies on the habitats, habits and DNA of the sharks, it is hoped that more control can be accomplished over the lives and deaths of the animals. Then, various publications and education initiatives are necessary to convey the information gleaned from such research and tracking to the public, young and old. It is hoped that this will instill a sense of respect and responsibility towards the sharks, to replace the current attitude of dread and hatred.

About seventy-five shark attacks are thought to occur annually worldwide today and they result in about ten fatalities. The numbers are not hard and fast though, as not all shark attacks are reported. Shark attacks numbers in tourist areas are typically suppressed and accurate reporting from some of the poorer countries is almost nonexistent. More people used to die from shark attacks before modern medical treatment became widespread, but today most shark attacks are non-fatal. Most shark attacks occur in near shorelines, between sandbars, and areas with steep underwater drop offs. Sharks congregate in these areas because that is where their natural prey congregates too.

The most common type of shark attacks are the “hit and run” attacks where a shark inflicts a single bite or slash wound and then swims away without returning to cause more damage. These types of attacks usually occur in the shallow tidal zones and the victims rarely see their attackers. It is thought that hit and run attacks are cases of mistaken identity where a shark thought a human was normal prey like a seal or large fish. In these cases, the shark realizes that the human is a foreign object or that it is too large to swim away with and immediately releases the victim after just one bite and does not return. The injuries from hit and run attacks are rarely fatal but other types of shark attack do result in greater injuries and most fatalities.

Two other types of attacks, “bump and bite” and “sneak” attacks, often result in severe injuries and fatalities. The bump and bite attacks occur after a shark circles and bumps a victim prior to taking a bite. Sneak attacks are when a shark simply strikes without any warning at all. In both cases repeat attacks with multiple bites are not uncommon. Both of these types of attacks usually occur in deeper waters offshore.

The three main culprits in most recorded shark attacks have been shown to be the great white shark, the tiger shark and the bull shark, all large sharks that hunt large prey. However, any shark over six-feet long can be a threat to humans. It is not always possible to see the attacker in hit and run attacks, and research suggests that many other different sharks contribute to the hit and run total including hammerheads, makos, oceanic whitetips, blacktips and blacknose sharks.

Following the many documented shark attacks on servicemen during World War II, the U.S. Navy began funding a shark-related research program in 1958. A group of shark researchers was formalized as The Shark Research Panel that existed until 1970 when the official Shark Attack File was created as the first attempt to comprehensively document shark attacks on an international scale. After naval support of the file ceased, the project was transferred to the Florida Museum of Natural History in 1988 where it now operates under the direction of the American Elasmobranch (Elasmobranch = Sharks, Rays & Skates) Society and the Florida Museum of Natural History.

The International Shark Attack File is a compilation of all known shark attacks and over 4,000 individual investigations covering the period from mid-1500′s to present are currently housed within the records. The file relies on voluntary submissions from scientists all over the world who serve as regional observers and send information about attacks in their areas for integration into the file. All attack information is computerized and permanently archived, but access is usually limited to qualified researchers because the physician reports, autopsies, interviews and photographs contained in the file are considered sensitive. Summary information and non-privileged data are available by request and usually confined to a particular geographic area or a specific species of shark.

Today, the International Shark Attack File contains about 2700 active investigations of shark attacks world-wide. The International Shark Attack File is always very interested in any new shark attacks, and will provide a Shark Attack Questionnaire to anyone upon request. The File’s contents provide a good summarization of trends in worldwide shark attacks and many different publications and reports are available. Two notable publications are “Shark Attack: A Program of Data Reduction and Analysis” and “A Database Compiled from Early Case Histories in the International Shark Attack File.” Both books were written by H. David Baldridge, and both cost $12. A variety of other publications concerning shark attacks are also available from The International Shark Attack File through the American Elasmobranch Society, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.

The tiger shark is considered to be one of the three most dangerous sharks in the world and is second only to the great white on the list of largest number of recorded attacks on humans. Tiger sharks are large macro predators that often attain lengths well over 15 ft. and are usually found in warmer ocean waters, especially in the Pacific. The tiger shark’s name comes from the easily recognized dark stripes running down the sides of its body that resemble a tiger’s stripes.

Like most predatory sharks, the tiger is mostly a solitary night-time hunter. Its natural diet involves a wide range of prey, including fish, seals, birds, smaller sharks, squid, turtles, sea snakes, and dolphins. Much like its larger cousin the great white, tiger sharks have extremely well-developed sensory capabilities. Tigers are equipped with receptors known as Ampullae of Lorenzini that allow them to detect faint electrical fields and locate their prey without having to actually see it with their eyes. The tiger shark’s eyesight is very good too though, and they can detect sounds and smells from distances of up to two miles depending on the water conditions.

The tiger shark tends to stay in deep waters that line reefs but also moves into shallow harbors and canals, which creates the potential for unintended encounters with humans. With its broad jaws, huge mouth, and serrated teeth, the tiger shark is built to take on large prey like sea turtles and marine mammals. The tiger shark’s extra sensory abilities allow it to hunt with confidence at night and usually attacks by eating its prey whole. These aggressive feeding tactics and lack of target discrimination have given the tiger shark a reputation as the “Ocean’s Garbage Can.” Tiger sharks will eat almost anything and often consume inedible objects like automobile license plates, oil cans, tires, and baseballs. A tiger shark caught in the Red Sea contained two empty cans, a plastic bottle, two burlap sacks, a squid, and one 8-inch fish, and all sorts of other human garbage has been recovered from the stomachs of tiger sharks caught in harbors and river inlets.

Although people are not really a natural food item for sharks, the tiger is responsible for a large percentage of fatal attacks, and is regarded as the second most dangerous shark species in the world between the great white and the bull shark. Tiger sharks prefer shallow waters near shorelines and they also frequent river estuaries and harbors where human encounters are likely. Tigers are considered the most dangerous sharks in Hawaiian waters where about 4 (usually non-fatal) attacks occur each year. The frequency of tiger shark attacks is surprisingly low considering that there are thousands of people in Hawaiian waters every day. Despite the low number of attacks, tiger sharks are a hot topic in Hawaii. In the 60’s and 70’s Hawaii implemented several shark control programs that culled over 4,000 large sharks from the waters around the islands, but no measurable decreases in shark populations were ever detected and the programs were eventually abandoned. Today it is illegal to feed sharks in all Hawaiian waters.

While most people agree that there is no need to feed tiger sharks, the opposite is not quite so true and people do eat tiger sharks. Tiger sharks are regularly captured and killed for their fins, flesh, and liver. Tigers are caught in both directly targeted fishing operations and as by-catch in non-targeted fisheries. As a result, it is generally thought that tiger shark populations are currently declining, but not to the point of high risk for extinction yet.

Tiger sharks are hunted because their liver oil has a high concentration of vitamin A used in the production of vitamins and the tiger is often killed for its distinct skin by big game fishermen. However, the continued demand for shark fin soup may change that equation in the coming decades as tiger sharks are now listed as a near threatened species due to excessive finning and fishing according to International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The tiger shark was also added to the Greenpeace International seafood “red list” in 2010 because the tiger shark has a very high risk of being sourced from unsustainable fisheries.