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

HELP SAVE THE SHARKS PLS <3

This website looks like a great place to get my friends and family aware of whats going with these endangered animals. Sharks all over the world, especially whale sharks are facing population declines from being hunted for shark fin soup, which is an Asian delicacy. These animals could be extinct by 2050 if we don't take action.

Shark Trust Lockdown Everest Challenge

I am 9 years old and the other day I watched a documentary about sharks. At the end of it, there was a picture of a dead Mako Shark on the bottom of the sea with its fin chopped off. So I thought if I fundraise, the Shark Trust Can Make a difference to that.

Basking Shark Fundraiser

Helping Basking Sharks in the Northeast Atlantic.

Fancy a Challenge?

Why not join us this Sunday for the 2.6 challenge? Raise a smile, raise your heart-rate and, possibly, raise some funds. #twopointsixchallenge

Canada Protects Endangered Mako Sharks with Groundbreaking Atlantic Ban

Canada announces groundbreaking move to protect Shortfin Mako in the Atlantic after a sustained campaign by the Shark League to follow the advice of ICCAT scientists.

For the Love of Sharks 2020

Due to Covid-19 this event has been postponed until the 25th September. Early bird tickets are now on sale. We look forward to seeing you in the Autumn.

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.

ID Guide Introductory Pages

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!

Stuck for Ideas this Easter?

We’ve got an Easter Egg Hunt with a difference that’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Back by popular demand our Indoor Easter Eggcase Hunt Trail can be done in the home or garden!