SHARK! Your Biggest Ocean Fear Could Actually Save Your Life

Sharks, they've been around for millions of years. Since the release of the blockbuster hit JAWS in the 70's, sharks have become a common fear at the beach. It's not likely that your going to run into a 40 foot Great White, but if you're swimming in the ocean, chances are, there is a shark near. Some sharks swim unnoticed near shore lines, where humans are unaware of their presence, and never pose any sort of threat. Why is that? Well, we are not part of their diet, making most shark attacks just a bad case of mistaken identity.

You can only imagine the fear that rushes through your body, when you're 20 feet from shore, and you see a fin pop up right in front of you. But the truth is, more people die from bee stings in the United States, then people do from shark attacks worldwide each year. The fact is, sharks are diminishing from our oceans at an alarming rate. Leaving us to ask, who is the predictor, and who is the pray?

If you've ever been saltwater night fishing, chances are you've seen at least one shark caught. Unfortunately, a large amount of small, young sharks are killed just for the novelty of it. Shark fishing, is a sport for some fisherman, however when the piers are stained with the blood from juvenile sharks, it's senseless. Almost every shark attack makes the news, but what about our selfish acts? Do you know how many sharks are killed a year by humans?

The numbers of sharks being killed from sport fishing along are countless. but I can tell you this, your probably using products that are made from sharks and don't even realize it. Here is just a short list of some common products that contain shark parts:

LIVER is used in:

1) Lubricant

2) Paint base

3) Cosmetics

4) Soap

FLESH is found in:

1) Fertilizer

GALLBLADDER is a common ingredient in:

1) Acne treatment

JAWS And TEETH are used for:

1) Art objects

2) Jewelry

3) Collector's items

Why is it important to stop the senseless killing of sharks. Sharks are also used for very important, life saving reasons. Such as their eyes are used for human cornea transplants, and their cartilage is used for biochemicals, and is a derivative used for temporary artificial skin on burn victims. From medicine to useful vitamins, we need sharks. Think about it, the one thing that you fear in the ocean, could end up saving your life. However, if these wonderful creatures become endangered, or threatened, we lose our resources. This is why it is important to respect them, and not to fear them to the point of seeing them killed.

Without sharks scientist wouldn't have been able to make some very important medical discovers. These magnificent species hold many secrets, in which biologist are trying to unlock. Sharks may even be the answer for a cancer cure. But, with the population of certain sharks such as the Dusky, Sand-tiger, and the Basking shark being threatened, so is our chances for medical advances. Though they may look frighting, their really not, and we really need them.