Human Week: The Extinction Of Sharks

Sharks are considered kings of the ocean for dwelling the oceans for almost 450 million years. The first human-like animal, in fact, did not appear on Earth until 4.5 million years. By surviving five mass extinctions, these fish have adapted to many changes (Shark Savers). With the existence of more than 450 species, these apex predators can reside at different latitudes, depths, and salinity levels. Most inhabit in tropical and temperate oceanic waters, where some have the adaptability to enter cold areas and bodies of fresh water (Sharks-World). Something is missing right here. Unfortunately, with a reproduction rate of low fertility and late sexual maturation, human-induced actions have resulted in repercussions among sharks. Insert thesis …show more content…
There is a total of nine sharks, a couple different from the others. These sharks are surrounding one waterproof television screen that is hanging from a fishing hook. What the nine sharks are viewing on the television screen provokes negative reactions. Five of the fish are terrified, three are concerned, and one is sad. The device is broadcasting “Human Week”. The topics focused on are labeled under the title, which includes pollution, overfishing, warming, coral reefs, and population. Below the sharks are two tanks that are labeled with a hazardous image. Though these tanks are above the seabed, small parts of it are sunk in. One of the dangerous tanks exhibits a leak. There are some areas in the water displaying a murky color. These attributes play a big role in Pett’s …show more content…
After the 1975 thriller film, Jaws released, the shark population suffered. As the marine biology professor at Florida International University, Mike Heithaus puts it, “The fear of being eaten is ingrained in people. If we feel like we have some sort of control or [a] fighting chance, a situation isn’t as scary. With sharks there are no trees to climb, and you can’t outswim a shark.” Another biologist, George Burgess, pointed out, “… the movie initiated a precipitous decline in the U.S. shark populations, as thousands of fishers set out to catch trophy sharks after seeing Jaws,” (Lovgren 1). The essence of the two biologist’s argument is that Jaws embedded the fear of being eaten alive by the creature, leading to the slaughter of sharks as a repercussion. In my opinion, this is the initial act to the issues of population and overfishing that Pett incorporated in his cartoon. Now go into shark culling and shark