Preying on Predators: The Role of International Regimes in the Overexploitation of Shark Species
Elizabeth Taylor
University of Georgia
Keywords: environmental politics, international governance, multispecies politics, tragedy of the commons, marine conservation, sharks
Abstract
The overexploitation of sharks resulting from high global market demand has posed a serious threat not only to shark populations, but marine biodiversity on a large scale. Through a discussion of political theory as it pertains to the environment, this research aims to articulate why the current laws and policies of the international community have failed, as well as what efforts may be taken to protect sharks and marine biodiversity. through a discussion of political theory as it pertains to the environment. These proposed solutions are grounded in the political theories of commons governance and multispecies politics. Through analysis of empirical data regarding species decline, these theories serve as a framework for how to preserve shark populations and thus, marine ecosystems as a whole.
