Wow, the Greenland shark can live to be 400 years old!
Calm Seas,
Catherine French
Writer, mentor, naturalist
805.570.0432
We are given only so many days, make each one count.
Sent from my iPad Air
Begin forwarded message:
From: Ocean Conservancy <oceans@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: July 15, 2020 at 6:16:30 AM PDT
To: cfrench1366@xxxxxxx
Subject: Put this slow-motion shark on your radar
Reply-To: Ocean Conservancy <oceans@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
MAKE MY GIFT
Catherine,
When you think of iconic Arctic ocean animals, what comes to mind? Perhaps
polar bears, narwhals or walruses? But what about … sharks?
Many people don’t realize Arctic waters are home to a number of species of
shark, including the salmon shark, Pacific sleeper shark and the spiny
dogfish. But there is one Arctic shark that we think might outshine the rest:
the Greenland shark.
Greenland sharks are very big, very slow and very old. They can grow to more
than 20 feet long and are one of the slowest-moving fishes of their size.
They can live to be 400 years old, meaning one alive today could have been
born before Isaac Newton discovered the laws of gravity. That makes them the
world’s longest-lived vertebrate. Because they live so long, Greenland sharks
aren’t in a hurry when it comes to life’s milestones—it can take 150 years
for them to reach maturity.
Unfortunately, this long and slow strategy has some downsides in today’s
world. Since Greenland sharks take such a long time to grow and reproduce, it
means they’re especially susceptible to threats like overfishing and,
increasingly, climate change.
Greenland sharks are at risk in an ever-changing ocean. It’s up to us to keep
Arctic waters safe for Greenland sharks and other animals who call those icy
waters home.
Arctic waters are busier than ever, which is bad news for the Greenland
shark. They can be caught as bycatch, or become entangled in ghost fishing
gear. Additionally, they can be disrupted by pollution and noise from ships.
Both these threats are growing as Arctic sea ice retreats, vessel traffic
increases and fishing patterns change.
Greenland sharks aren’t the only ones at risk. Countless Arctic animals rely
on a healthy ecosystem, and they need our help.
Here at Ocean Conservancy, we’re advocating for Greenland sharks and all
animals who call Arctic waters home. From working with policy makers to
regulate Arctic vessel traffic to working to lower greenhouse gas emissions
that are causing climate change, we are tackling numerous threats head-on.
We couldn’t do our work without YOU. Your donation supports our work for
clean, abundant Arctic waters.
Let’s work together to ensure Greenland sharks can thrive for generations to
come. Join us with a donation today.
MAKE MY GIFT
For our ocean,
Becca Robbins Gisclair
Senior Director, Arctic Program
Ocean Conservancy
1300 19th Street NW • 8th Floor • Washington, DC 20036 • 800-519-1541
Ocean Conservancy is a 501(c)3 — Donations are 100% tax-deductible as allowed
by law.
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