Saving Species

Our work helps to protect shark species, or populations, threatened with extinction.

This can involve:

Advocating for international protection
Engaging with wildlife conservation and trade bodies
Monitoring implementation and promoting enforcement of conservation commitments
Supporting appropriate spatial management initiatives (marine protected areas)
Developing conservation plans and driving research to address data gaps
Developing and sharing codes of practice and educational materials

Over the years we’ve helped to secure protection for several species in the NE Atlantic. These include:

Basking Sharks
Porbeagle
White Skates
Common Skates
Angelsharks

We maintain a “watching brief” on these species. Monitoring implementation of legislation and fisheries practice and providing up to date codes of conduct for stakeholders. Such as our Basking Shark Code of Conduct and Fisheries Advisories.

The most recent IUCN Red List analysis shows that around 24% of shark and ray species are threatened. It also highlights the extreme vulnerability of flat sharks and rays. For this reason, we're working on collaborative Angelshark and Sawfish programmes.

CMS

CMS is an environmental treaty of the United Nations. It’s a framework convention with legally binding treaties and Memorandums of Understanding for species that cross national boundaries. Read more

CITES

By regulating trade in species that cross international borders, CITES can be a valuable tool in reducing over-exploitation and driving national management plans for sharks. Read more

Angel Sharks

We’ve been working to better protect angelsharks - one of the most threatened family of sharks - for over a decade. Read more

Sawfish: See A Saw

Over the past century populations of all 5 species of sawfish have drastically declined. Find out more about these enigmatic species and our work to support their conservation. Read more

Latest

CREATURE FEATURE: Common Skate

This month we're showcasing the 'Common Skate', now known to be 2 different species – the Flapper & Blue Skate. Sadly, neither of these are quite so common these days…
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Climbing Snowdon dressed as a shark 🦈💙

I love sharks and everything about them however the are sadly being culled each minute so I want to spread awareness and hopefully make a start on a better future for our sharks!

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For the Love of Sharks 2020

Due to Covid-19 this event has been postponed until the 25 September. Due to uncertainty at the current time, we've decided to hold ticket sales but would welcome you to register for an early bird ticket. We look forward to seeing you in the Autumn.
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Makos, Wedgefishes, and Giant Guitarfishes listed under CITES with support from more than 100 countries.
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ID Guide Introductory Pages
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Find and record empty shark eggcases that have washed up on the beach. Eggcase hunting is great fun for all ages! Click here to find everything you need to get started.
Shark Taxonomy

Taxonomy is a field of science that involves classifying and naming species. It's integral to wildlife conservation, providing the bedrock for our understanding of sharks.
Tonic Immobility

Tonic immobility is a reflex that causes a temporary state of inactivity in an animal. Similar to hypnosis. It occurs in a variety of different species, including many sharks and rays...
Shark Anatomy

Sharks have a range of adaptations that make them perfectly suited to their environment. It's no wonder they've gained a reputation for being some of the most impressive and formidable predators on the planet!
Landings of Endangered Rays in Tunisia Denounced

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