Movies have been made about them, songs have been made about them and now, metal sculptures have been made too.  Spanning from just eight inches to over 40 foot, there are more than 1,000 species of shark in our oceans all across the world. These natural predators are essential when it comes to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems however, despite sitting at the top of the marine food chain, these large creatures face their most severe predator, humans.

Sharks have had an interesting relationship with humans, often depicted as dangerous animals due to popularisation by the public when isolated attacks have occurred. Yet these so called ‘man-eaters’ have been become endangered by man.  It is estimated that over 100 million sharks have been killed annually due to the demand of commercial and recreational fishing for their fins and meat. Overfishing has occurred due to a huge demand in Asian countries, and a lack of management of fisheries have caused many species of shark to be threatened with extinction in later years. Currently sharks, as a species, have either been placed on the endangered or vulnerable lists as factors such as growing at a slow rate and producing very few young in their lifetime significantly contribute to them not being able to replenish numbers at the same rate at which they are being caught and killed.

Shark fins are tempting to fisherman due of the cultural value they hold. A popular dish in Asian countries, shark fin soup was once a status symbol, a sign of wealth, but has since become a delicacy and staple food, giving fisherman a larger incentive to gather shark fins. As shark fins are the most valuable part, sharks are often thrown back into the ocean alive without their fins, unable to swim properly and bleed profusely, causing a slow and painful death. Apart from the animal cruelty implications, numbers have decreased causing a ripple effect in the entire marine ecosystem.  Respecting cultures is one thing, but when it comes to throwing off the balance of life, then actions to reduce this negative impact definitely need to be considered.

Through a multi-pronged strategy, shark conservation is a global issue that needs addressing. Inspired by Green Peace and their drive and determination to keep our oceans healthy whilst protecting marine creatures, the Shark Sculpture was created.  Working in collaboration with Blue Planet Aquarium, the sculpture is a tool to educate youths and children about protecting our oceans – including overfishing and illegal shark finning.  Local sculptor Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre created this metal shark, which can be seen in the breaching motion jumping fully out of the water.  Created to not only showcase the shark’s physical power but to also symbolise that without this natural fierce predator, it would have determinantal effects on all marine life.