Of the more than 350 known species of shark, roughly one quarter of them are, to one degree or another,
endangered. 18
Sharks’ own biology is among their biggest problems. Most species are slow-growing. Male white sharks are not ready to breed until they are at least 9 or 10 years old, while females do not mature until 15-16 years old—and they produce very few young. 19
According to Sonja Fordham, an international shark conservation specialist with the Ocean Conservancy, “We are hopeful that recent restrictions on international trade in white shark teeth, jaws, and fins will work to rebuild depleted shark populations. However, given the species’ slow growth, it will take many years to see such recovery.”
20 In October 2004, the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) placed great white sharks on its Appendix II list, which prohibits trade unless a country can demonstrate that it will not be detrimental to the species. In the case of great whites, such proof is impossible. A month later, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas banned all shark finning in its fisheries. 21
【題組】 18
(A) No one knows if the ban will be enforceable, but at least it is on the books.
(B) Over the past years there have been a couple of very positive developments.
(C) A handful, including the great white shark, may ultimately face total biological extinction.
(D) It is estimated that roughly 100 million sharks are saved worldwide by fishermen every year.
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