科学家们表示，鲨鱼和鳐鱼正以 “惊人” 的速度从世界海洋中消失。一项新研究表明，半个多世纪以来，公海海域的鲨鱼数量减少了71% ，导致这个现象的主要原因是过度捕捞。在所有被研究的物种中，有四分之三正面临灭绝的威胁。

The study found a dramatic decline in sharks and rays found in the open oceans, including hammerheads, mako sharks, and the giant manta ray.

研究发现，在公海海域发现的鲨鱼和鳐鱼数量急剧下降，其中包括双髻鲨、灰鲭鲨和双吻前口蝠鲼。

Since 1970, shark and ray catches have tripled, pushing many species to the brink of extinction.

自1970年以来，鲨鱼和鳐鱼的捕捉量增加了两倍，这将许多物种推向了灭绝的边缘。

The scientists say overfishing of sharks and rays jeopardises the health of entire ocean ecosystems, as well as food security for some of the world's poorest countries. 

科学家们说，过度捕捞鲨鱼和鳐鱼危害整个海洋生态系统的健康，同时危及世界上一些最贫穷国家的粮食安全。

They're calling on governments to set science-based fishing limits to secure a brighter future for these extraordinary animals.

科学家们呼吁政府制定有科学依据的捕捞上限，以确保这些神奇非凡的动物能有一个更光明美好的未来。

词汇表

hammerheads 双髻鲨，锤头鲨
mako sharks 灰鲭鲨
the giant manta ray 双吻前口蝠鲼
catches 捕获量
overfishing 过度捕捞
jeopardises 危及，损害
ecosystems 生态系统
food security 粮食安全
science-based 有科学依据的，以科学为基础的
secure 保护，保卫

阅读理解：请在读完上文后，回答下列问题。

1. True or false? There are three times as many shark and ray catches as there were in 1970.

2. Name two shark and/or ray species found in the open oceans which have seen a dramatic decline.

3. What does overfishing of sharks and rays threaten, according to the scientists?

4. What do scientists think governments should do to secure a brighter future for these animals?

答案

1. True or false? There are three times as many shark and ray catches as there were in 1970.
True. Since 1970, shark and ray catches have tripled (become three times as many).

2. Name two shark and/or ray species found in the open oceans which have seen a dramatic decline.
Any two of the following: hammerheads, mako sharks, and the giant manta ray.

3. What does overfishing of sharks and rays threaten, according to the scientists?
The scientists say it jeopardises the health of entire ocean ecosystems, as well as food security for some of the world's poorest countries.

4. What do scientists think governments should do to secure a brighter future for these animals?
They think governments should set science-based fishing limits.