Incredible underwater photos: sharks under threat

Updated



Did you know that an estimated 36 million sharks are killed every year around the world?

The increased demand for shark fin soup is responsible for the majority of these deaths, which is one of the central messages of a new campaign being launched by marine conservation charity Bite-Back. Without urgent intervention, it says, 20 shark species will have become extinct by 2017.

Bite-Back campaign director Graham Buckingham,says: "We know of 65 restaurants selling shark fin soup in the UK. We think its inclusion on any menu is irresponsible and outdated and that's why we're set to announce plans to make these restaurants shark fin-free in 2013.

As part of the campaign, the charity has launched a calendar featuring photographs from 12 of the world's best underwater photographers. Bite-Back says it's the perfect illustration of what we could lose if over-fishing is allowed to continue.

The Bite-Back calendar costs £7.99 and is available at bite-back.com


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