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Why are white sharks considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature?

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white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) — white shark White shark (*Carcharodon carcharias*) populations are frequently centred in highly productive temperate coastal waters (that is, waters characterized by an abundance of fishes and marine mammals).

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the white shark as a vulnerable species because it faces a high risk of extinction due to several biological and human-driven factors.123

White sharks are apex predators that are never naturally abundant, meaning the removal of even a few individuals can have a profound impact on their population. Their vulnerability is exacerbated by slow growth rates and low reproductive output, which prevent populations from rebounding quickly after declines.14

Human activities are the primary drivers of this decline:5
* Commercial Fishing: White sharks are frequently caught as bycatch in nets and on longline hooks intended for other species.16
* Targeted Hunting: They are hunted for their fins, jaws, and teeth, and are also prized as sport fish.1
* Finning: Despite legal protections in many regions, the practice of finning—harvesting fins and discarding the shark—continues to threaten the species.16

Because they are top predators, their decline can disrupt the balance of marine ecosystems, making their conservation essential for biodiversity.16