About Us

OUR VISION

A future where sharks thrive within a globally healthy marine ecosystem.

OUR MISSION

Safeguarding the future of sharks through positive change. We achieve this through science, education, influence and action.

OUR STORY

Established in 1997, the Shark Trust started life on the corner of a desk in Newbury. Three years later our small team had set up shop in a room designed to be an ice cream parlour based outside the newly-built National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, UK. We even had our own slushy machine!

Twenty years on we've grown a little in size and a lot in terms of reach and influence. Still based in Plymouth (Britain’s Ocean City), our office now accommodates a team of 8. Plymouth has a rich heritage in fisheries and marine science. From here we work at an international level to safeguard the future of sharks and their close relatives – the skates, rays and chimaera.

In 2006 we became a founding member of the Shark Alliance - a coalition of European partners. Together we advocated for the adoption of a European Community Plan of Action for Sharks (2009) and to close loopholes in the EU Finning Regulations. This led to the strengthened European Finning Ban (2013). A huge win for shark conservation.

Collaboration is at the heart of our work. We've always worked with the UK Government and an ever-growing network of partners. The UK is now internationally recognised as a champion for shark conservation. And this enables us to influence and create positive change for sharks further afield.

Shark conservation is a global issue needing global solutions. In 2016 we launched a new Global Plan for sharks and rays with a coalition of international partners. We also continue to work on a portfolio of projects and campaigns; from local to global level.

Proudly based in the UK, we represent a membership base from around the world!

OUR VALUES:

COMMITMENT – we commit our resources to the effective conservation of sharks. Through the highs and lows we persevere. This sheer dedication is key to our past and future successes. We’re in this for the long haul.
SCIENCE – we’re guided by scientific evidence and the principles of sustainability.
INTEGRITY – we value our integrity and credibility. As a respected authority on sharks, we’re able to have influence in many key decision-making processes.
COLLABORATION – collaboration is at the heart of what we do. This is key to creating positive change for sharks and having a far reaching impact.
INNOVATION – we’re not bound by convention. We focus on the most effective solutions. And use the best tools and methods at our disposal.

Latest

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.
CREATURE FEATURE: Zebra Shark

Tan in colour with lots of dark brown spots, adult Zebra Sharks are often confused for Leopard Sharks. But, when they’re young they look very different...
Sharks Matter - Here's Why Series (Part 2)

I don’t know about you but I’m always being asked why we should save sharks. Ask the Great White Shark...
CREATURE FEATURE: Angel Sharks

Angel sharks have unusually flexible ‘necks’. Allowing them to raise their heads and trap-like jaw to snap up prey at high speed.

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.
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.
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...
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 boy helps shark trust

My name is Zachary and I'm 9 years old. I Love sharks and really want to be able to help save the sharks from becoming extinct. I recently snorkelled with baby sharks and got to look at real eggcases (some with live babies inside). Next year I'd like to scuba dive with sharks and see how I can help them.
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...
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 Senses

Many shark species have brains as complex as mammals, which enables them to process a wide range of senses. Sharks have the same 5 senses as we do plus a couple more...
About Us

Our mission is to safeguard the future of sharks through positive change. We achieve this through science, education, influence and action.

OUR VISION

OUR MISSION

OUR STORY

OUR VALUES:

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