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

COVID-19

We’re still here, we’re just not here. We’re working from home. We’re doing everything we can to maintain business as usual but there are some things that we won’t be able to do from home.

CREATURE FEATURE: Blue Shark

The beautiful and bold Blue Shark is named for its dazzling colour. Sleek and agile, they have a distinctive cone shaped snout and large endearing eyes.

For the Love of Sharks 2020

Due to Covid-19 this event has been postponed. We're working with the RGS and Speakers to confirm a new date as soon as possible. Once confirmed we'll announce the new date and look forward to seeing you then. If you have already purchased a ticket we will be in touch.

Shark Trust Supernova 5k

Sharks have lived in our oceans for over 400 million years.
But, today, many species are under threat. Almost 1/4 of all shark species worldwide are now threatened with extinction. That makes them one of the most endangered groups of animals on our planet!
That's why i'm helping the Shark Trust to safeguard their future with this fundraiser.
Together we can create positive change.

Let's #Dosomefin For Sharks

For the Love of Sharks 2020

18 Shark & Ray Species Granted New Global Trade Controls at Wildlife Conference

Makos, Wedgefishes, and Giant Guitarfishes listed under CITES with support from more than 100 countries.

Great Eggcase Hunt

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.

Male & Female Sharks

How do you tell the difference between a male and female shark? Click here to find out about physical and behavioural differences, as well as shark courtship...

Landings of Endangered Rays in Tunisia Denounced

Conservation groups are calling for answers and action in relation to the landing of Endangered Giant Devil Rays in Kelibia, Tunisia, in contravention of international agreements to protect the species.

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!

Shark Focus Magazine – Issue 63 – Out Now!

The winter issue of our Member's Magazine is out now and this time we’re tackling one of the biggest questions in shark conservation…

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.

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...