The World

Saving the sharks

Sharks may be fearsome predators, but over fishing threatens their survival. The World’s Julia Kumari Drapkin profiles an unusual pair of shark researchers. One has always wanted to protect sharks. The other used to kill them.

Environment

The oceans are ailing. Marine biologists say there are many reasons — pollution, coastal development. But a key problem is overfishing. Among the marine species threatened by overfishing are sharks. Millions are killed each year for their fins, which are a delicacy in Asia. The World’s Julia Kumari Drapkin met two researchers trying to save sharks. She reports from the waters off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.