Miriam Kresh
Source: Green Prophet
January 1, 2012

"Since last year's political uprising, and consequent deterioration of law enforcement, poachers supplying restaurants with illicit shark fins have driven the Red Sea shark population down by as much as 80 percent, reports Egypt Independent. In 2006, laws prohibiting trading in sharks were passed, with severe penalties attached. However, in the post-revolution chaos, the Egyptian army no longer patrols the coast to stop illegal fishing. (If you're planning to travel to Egypt these days, you'll need to read our 5 tips for traveling safely in post-revolution Egypt.)

The scenario without the top-feeder sharks is a downward spiral of ecological destruction. Much larger numbers of fish such as rays and skates, themselves heavy feeders, would threaten shellfish populations. Without shellfish (those natural water filters), the quality of the Red Sea water would deteriorate, harming the already-threatened coral reefs."

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