Happy World Oceans Day It’s a day to celebrate the world’s incredible oceans... So today we hope you find yourself thinking about the oceans. Perhaps you’re at the beach dipping your toes, catching a big wave or out for a gentle paddle. Whatever you’re doing make sure you celebrate the oceans. Here at the Shark Trust we’re safeguarding the future of sharks through positive change. We have a vision where sharks thrive within a globally healthy marine ecosystem. We’re celebrating sharks today by highlighting their vast diversity. Sharks really do come in all shapes and sizes. Worldwide, there are over 500 shark species and another 600 or so rays and skates. They occur from polar seas to the equator and from the surface to the deep sea. A few even swim many kilometers into estuaries and rivers. While a few sharks take all the headlines, there’s actually an amazing diversity of sharks. Diverse in the way they look, their life history and their behavior. The smallest shark, the Dwarf Lanternshark, reaches only 21cm. The largest shark - and the largest fish in the sea - is the Whale Shark. They can reach over 12m in length. Yet many sharks, like other species in the ocean, are in trouble. We work tirelessly to make a positive change for sharks but everyone can help make that positive change. So, we've put together 5 ways that you can help sharks… 5 ways you can help sharks: BE POSITIVE – tell people about your experience with sharks. Challenge negative stereotypes and discover more about sharks so you can be a positive voice for change. BE CONNECTED – Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date with what’s happening in the shark world. Or, better still, add your name to our mailing list below. BE A PARTICIPANT – Get involved in campaigns to protect sharks, such as our No Limits? Campaign, which is aimed at ending uncontrolled shark fishing. BE A HERO – Help us to keep standing up for sharks by fundraising. You can #DoSomeFin to raise money and awareness for the cause by signing up for a running, cycling, swimming or walking event. BE A MEMBER – Join us today and be part of a growing community of people that are determined to make positive change for sharks. Sharks are an integral part of the oceans. So, here are 5 ways to help the oceans as well... 5 ways to help the oceans DO A BEACH CLEAN – take 2 minutes, 5 minutes or an hour and clean your local beach. You’ll be amazed at what you'll find. Who knows you might even find a ‘mermaids purse’ a shark eggcase. If you do, be sure to record it to our Great Eggcase Hunt. REDUCE YOUR PLASTIC CONSUMPTION – we all know what needs to happen, we need to stop consuming so much. And we need to make considerate and thoughtful choices. Start today and consider items you're purchasing. Do you really need it? Where's it coming from? Is there an eco-alternative? KNOW WHERE YOUR SEAFOOD COMES FROM - Overfishing is one of our greatest concerns and we believe that fishing must be done sustainably. Ask questions, find out where fish/seafood has come from, how it was sourced and ensure you know which species it is. REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT - Calculate your carbon footprint and see how you could reduce it. This is a great way to help not only the oceans but the planet. There are loads of online carbon footprint calculators out there. INFLUENCE CHANGE IN YOUR COMMUNITY - Be the change you'd like to see, and others will follow. It’s amazing how much one person can inspire the community! Happy World Oceans Day! We'd love to know how you're celebrating? Leave a comment below and help inspire someone else to take action and save our precious oceans. Want to discover more about sharks? Click on the links below to find out more about the incredible diversity of sharks we have in our waters: ► Discover Sharks ► Creature Feature Blog You can also find out more about World Oceans Day at www.worldoceansday.org Manage Cookie Preferences