CONSERVATION officials from around the world have gathered in Cape Town for a workshop to focus on the protection and management of African shark populations. Sponsored by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), the three-day IFAW Shark Conservation Workshop 2001 gathered over 50 delegates from more than 18 countries including Eritrea, Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Nigeria, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Togo, Germany, the US and France. IFAW director Jason Bell said: Sharks really do not live up to their public image as a dangerous and menacing predator. In fact sharks are extremely important components of the marine ecosystem and many of their populations are decreasing due to over fishing, incidental catches and the demand for products such as meat, oil and fins,” he explained.