Mysterious deepwater sharks are being killed to make cosmetics. New laws could save them from extinction

https://www.cnn.com/science/deepwater-sharks-extinction-protection-laws-c2e-spc?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=missions&utm_source=reddit

by cnn

3 comments

  1. [With their bright green eyes and slender bodies](https://www.cnn.com/science/deepwater-sharks-extinction-protection-laws-c2e-spc?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=missions&utm_source=reddit), gulper sharks are odd-looking, prehistoric creatures that have been around for millions of years. Found worldwide in waters from 200 to 1,500 meters (650 to 4,900 feet) deep, much about them remains a mystery.

    But now, they face a crisis. Three quarters of gulper shark species are [threatened with extinction](https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=centrophorus&searchType=species), targeted for their liver oil, which is particularly rich in a chemical compound known as squalene, commonly used in cosmetics for its antioxidant and moisturizing properties. According to the [International Fund for Animal Welfare](https://www.ifaw.org/journal/deepwater-sharks-cosmetics-cites-decision-extinction) (IFAW), shark liver oil has been found in a wide range of products from makeup, aftershave and sunscreen, to nicotine patches and hemorrhoid treatments.

    New international trade protections could provide hope for the species. From Nov. 24-Dec. 5, thousands of scientists, conservationists, lawyers and trade experts are in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, for the [20th conference of parties](https://cites.org/eng/news/pr/cites-at-50-in-samarkand-bridging-nature-and-people-2025) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). On the table Thursday is a proposal to include all gulper sharks in CITES Appendix II, a list that would regulate trade of the species across international borders and improve monitoring.

    So far, trade regulations have taken little notice of deep-sea dwellers, which can grow up to 2 meters (7 feet) in length. Despite there being more than 145 sharks and rays listed in CITES Appendix II, [none are deepwater species](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade9121).

    But as deepwater fishing becomes more common, driven by better technology and low fish stocks in shallow coastal waters, these species are increasingly at risk.

    [](https://www.cnn.com/science/caprera-canyon-mediterranean-whales-dolphins-spc-c2e)

  2. Sometimes I hate humanity. Today I read about how we almost hunted sperm whales to extinction to burn their fat in street lamps and lubricate machines with their oils. And now this. Capitalism will be the end of life and nature as we know it if we don’t do something about it!

  3. Is there *anything* we, as a species, don’t over consume??? I mean there’s so much CO2 in the air that’s causing global warming right? Why don’t these cosmetic companies come up with a product that takes CO2 from our air supply or the weirdos that have shark fin soup or rhino horn powder come up with new superstitions that actually help the planet and its many creatures for once?? Ugh I’m so sick of the *destruction* our habits cause… why can’t our habits lead to something good for all !

Comments are closed.