Sharks have lived in our oceans for over 400 million years. Well before even the dinosaurs roamed the earth!Worldwide there are over 500 species of shark, 600 skates and rays and 50 chimaera. All unique and amazing in their own ways, and perfectly adapted to the environment in which they live! You can find them in almost every marine ecosystem on earth. Including freshwater!Great or small, charismatic or strange - we love them all. From tiny Pygmy Lantern Sharks that glow in the dark. To impressive filter-feeding Whale Sharks that can grow up to 17m long. Epaulette Sharks (see photo above) that use their fins to walk over coral reefs. And bizarre-looking Tasselled Wobbegongs that have the most elaborate camouflage you've ever seen.Inspired? We hope so. You can find out lots more by clicking on the links below. Enjoy exploring the mysterious and wonderful world of sharks...
Sharks have adapted to inhabit a wide range of niches in every ocean and sea around the world. Click here to find out more about the environments in which sharks live. Read more
In this section we go back in time to unearth the origins of sharks. We'll explore how all sharks are related, and learn all about their anatomy and super senses. Read more
Skates and rays are very closely related to sharks. But they're flatter in shape, which makes them well suited for life on the sea-floor. Read more
Also known as ghost sharks. Chimaera are closely related to sharks, skates and rays. But they diverged from their shark relatives around 400 million years ago. Read more
Shark ecotourism takes many forms. The most common are cage diving, boat trips and shark watching. Click here for some helpful tips on finding a responsible tour operator. Read more
We need sharks to keep our oceans healthy and teeming with life. But human activity is pushing many species to the brink. Find out more about the biggest threats sharks face. Read more
Incidents of people being bitten by sharks are rare. Of the more than 500 known species of shark, only a very few are considered potentially dangerous to humans. Read more
Sharks are fascinating and diverse, but there's much more to them than that. Find out more about the changing landscape of shark conservation, and why sharks are so important. Read more
Raising awareness about sharks is key to safeguarding their future in our oceans. So, we've created a range of resources that you can use to help us spread the word. Read more
Inspiring the next generation. Click here to enter our kids zone. Packed with fun facts, resources and ways for under 12's to get involved with shark conservation. Read more