San Francisco Bay poorer by more than two thousand sharks

Listen to this article The shark is a vital link in the fabric of the underwater ecosystem, although some of its species are frightening. Bearded and white sharks, as well as other, lesser-known varieties, have been abundant off the coast of San Francisco. However, their numbers have dropped dramatically over the past year, and scientists

ByGosia Harasimowicz

Published: November 7, 2017 - 07:50

Updated: July 22, 2023 - 15:51

San Francisco Bay poorer by more than two thousand sharks

Listen to this article

The shark is a vital link in the fabric of the underwater ecosystem, although some of its species are frightening. Bearded and white sharks, as well as other, lesser-known varieties, have been abundant off the coast of San Francisco. However, their numbers have dropped dramatically over the past year, and scientists have been puzzled for a long time as to why.

Local researchers estimate the losses at many hundreds or even thousands of individuals of different species. The bearded shark (pictured) is the worst affected, but along with it, according to the intricate relationships governing underwater life, huge numbers of halibut and many other species of fish have also disappeared.

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The suspected culprit of these strange events is a small amoeba-like parasite called miamiensis avidus. It is not dangerous for humans, so divers can rest assured about their health while admiring the underwater world around California. The parasite will not harm us, even after being eaten in one of the exquisite fish dishes.

Dr Mark Okihiro, acting on behalf of the California-based San Francisco Bay Wildlife Service, is conducting research to monitor the shark situation. He is also looking into the parasite responsible for all the fuss. The scientist fears that the mass extinction will gradually include more and more species. This could create a problem with much longer-term consequences. Negotiations are underway on the possibility of transferring state funds for a sound study of the situation on the Coast and proposing effective solutions to protect the unique ecosystem admired by divers, tourists and researchers.

For now, unfortunately, we don’t have very good news for sharks and their enthusiasts – infected individuals are spreading the unfortunate amoeba to areas further and further away from San Francisco. We must reckon with the fact that the underwater landscape of these areas will change forever.

Source: dailymail.co.uk, Photo: wikipedia.org CC 2.0