The pressure to quickly develop an efficient vaccine against COVID-19 could take a huge toll on the shark population, which is already on the decline. Several vaccine candidates require an oily ingredient called squalene, which is extracted from shark livers. Squalene helps sharks maintain buoyancy underwater. Those living in deeper waters have more squalene.
What’s squalene?
Squalene is a natural organic compound, high in fatty acids and antioxidants, and hence finds use in cosmetics such as sunscreen, lipstick, foundation and lotion.
It is also used in vaccines as an adjuvant, an ingredient used to create a stronger immune response in people. Many vaccines, including those against H1N1 and influenza, use squalene.
Hammerheads, great whites, and whale sharks are among the most targeted species for their livers. But deep-sea sharks are also at high-risk.
Currently, the squalene industry is the reason behind deaths of around 3 million sharks each year. This number is set to increase if a squalene-based COVID-19 vaccine is to be used for the global population. According to an estimate, about half a million sharks could be killed for the vaccine development Sharks are already facing threat from overfishing and shark fin trade, which kill 100 million sharks globally each year, driving many species to extinction.
Other sources of squalene
Sharks are not the only source of squalene. It can be extracted from olives, wheat germ, and other plants, but sourcing it from sharks is easier and significantly cheaper. However, in response to heightened public concern for shark conservation, many cosmetics corporations have made the switch to plant-based squalane, though the production is 30% more expensive and time consuming.
Shark conservation organisations such as Shark Allies have launched campaigns requesting pharmaceuticals to switch to plant-based squalene.
Picture Credit : Google
