Sharks and rays identified as 'second most threatened group of animals on reefs'

A brand new research has warned iconic marine animals like tiger sharks, gray reef sharks, and hammerheads may quickly disappear from the world, flagging the hotspots the place these extinctions may happen.

The paper, at present revealed within the journal Nature Communications, discovered nearly 60 per cent of coral reef shark and ray species globally are prone to dying out.

Adjunct Professor Colin Simpfendorfer instructed 9news.com.au this makes them the second most threatened group of animals on reefs after marine mammals.

Tiger Shark Swimming underwater at Tiger Beach, Bahamas — Tiger sharks are thought of one of the vital adept predators within the ocean, and are usually present in a heat, tropical waters. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A stunning image of Schooling Hammerhead Sharks that congregate in large numbers of Malpelo and Cocos Islands — The research discovered sharks and rays that spent all, or a while, on reefs have been in danger. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

“It’s quite alarming,” he stated.

“For context for all sharks and rays globally, there are about 1200 species across all habitats, and around 35 per cent of those species are threatened.

“Coral reefs species have nearly twice that degree of extinction danger. We have actual considerations that if we do not do one thing within the close to future these populations will proceed to say no and ultimately grow to be extinct.”

Fishing was found to be the main threat, compounded by the risk of climate change and habitat loss.

Round ribbontail ray fishes lay on a counter of fish market in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia — Fishing is the main threat to the species. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

“These species do not deal with fishing strain effectively as a result of they’ve low replica charges,” Simpfendorfer explained.

“They have restricted variety of younger and mature fairly late.

“This really means we can’t take a large proportion of them out of the water, as overfishing becomes a problem for these species quite quickly.”

Simpfendorfer stated bigger animals have been extra prone to extinction, which may lead to cascading die-offs all through eco-systems.

“Some of these species are reef predators, things like the tiger shark for example it fulfils that apex role,” he stated.

“So losing them for these system has important consequences.”

The international locations and reefs most prone to these extinctions fell alongside the south Asian coast, and consists of: India, Pakistan and Myanmar.

Reefs off South America, reminiscent of Brazil and Guyana, have been additionally flagged as at risk.

Aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. — Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is a ‘shiny spot’ on this story because it’s waters are shielded from fishing. (Getty)

Simpfendorfer stated Australia and the Great Barrier Reef is a “shiny spot”.

“The good news is Australia is actually doing a really good looking after its sharks and rays,” he stated, praising the administration of the marine park.

“There are solutions but the reality is in different parts of the world different solutions will be applicable; what works in Australia, will work some places, but not everywhere.

“We have to work with these communities to enhance conservation outcomes for sharks and rays but in addition ensuring we’re additionally contemplating the people that depend on them”.