Findings of a new showed that population of great white sharks is growing and becoming healthier, with more than 2,400 great white sharks off California. According to the census, there is still a need to continue protective measures because size and health of white shark population is increasing and so as the chances of shark attacks.
The study, conducted by a 10-member team led by George H. Burgess, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research, has added to the belief that there is no need to list great white sharks in the eastern Pacific Ocean population under the Endangered Species Act.
"That we found these sharks are doing OK, better than OK, is a real positive in light of the fact that other shark populations are not necessarily doing as well", said Burgees. He added that others can learn from the results as well so as to make a positive starting point for additional investigation.
The research to unveil the status of the great white shark population was kicked off by the team, like NOAA, in 2013. The research was a result of the petition, filed by the environmental groups Oceana, Shark Stewards and the Center for Biological Diversity, over endangered species protection for white sharks.
Environmentalists also launched fundraising campaigns in a bid to prevent the great white sharks from reaching extinction. The move was prompted by low estimates of the species.
However, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife made the announcement earlier this year that the listing for the great white sharks was not warranted.
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