Skip over main navigation
  • Sign up
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
The Shark Trust
JoinDonate
Menu
  • Who We Are
    • About Us
    • Our Staff
    • Our Trustees
    • Our Patrons
    • Jobs
    • How We Are Funded
    • Contact Us
  • What We Do
    • Our Work
    • Shark Science
    • Saving Species
      • Angel Sharks
      • Sawfish
      • CITES
      • CMS
    • Citizen Science
      • Great Eggcase Hunt
        • The Project
        • Eggcase Hunting
        • Identifying Your Eggcase
        • British Isles & NW Europe
        • How Can You Help?
        • Record Your Eggcase
      • Basking Shark Project
        • The Project
        • About Basking Sharks
        • Basking Shark Threats
        • Basking Shark Conservation
        • How Can You Help?
      • Angling Project
      • Sightings Database
    • Transforming Fisheries
      • Falkland Islands Project
      • No Limits? Campaign
      • Stop Shark Finning Campaign
      • High-Seas Management
      • Sustainable Fisheries Project (UK)
      • Fisheries Advisories
        • English
        • French
        • German
        • Spanish
        • Dutch
        • Greek
    • Working Collaboratively
  • Discover Sharks
    • Shark Biology
      • Shark Evolution
      • Shark Taxonomy
      • Shark Anatomy
      • Shark Senses
      • Male & Female Sharks
      • Shark Reproduction
      • Tonic Immobility
    • Shark Ecology
      • British Sharks
    • Skates & Rays
    • Chimaera
    • Experience Sharks
    • Shark Attacks
    • Shark Threats
    • Shark Conservation
    • Resources
      • Leaflets & Posters
      • Shark ID Guides
      • Skate & Ray ID Guides
    • Pup's Activity Zone
  • Get Involved
    • Join Us
    • Adopt a Shark
    • Donate
    • Campaign
    • Become a Citizen Scientist
    • Fundraise
    • Volunteer
    • Your Business
    • Other Ways to Give
  • News
  • Events
  • Blogs
    • Collective Action
    • Fundraising Blog
    • Pup's Blog
    • Discover Sharks
    • Creature Feature
    • The Blowfish
  • Shop
  • Press
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Shark Conservation
  1. Discover Sharks
  2. Shark Conservation

Shark Conservation

The Changing Landscape of Shark Conservation

When we first began in 1997 there was little to no management for sharks, skates and rays. Public awareness and appreciation for sharks was at an all-time low. For a long time these amazing animals were misunderstood and vilified. Even today sensationalist media stories play on the 'Jaws' stereotype to sell stories. Despite this we've seen a huge positive shift in public attitudes over the past 20 years.

Today we're lucky to have a large (and ever growing) group of passionate shark supporters from around the world. We also have more engaged Government and industry. Together we continue to champion sharks and further their conservation.


WHY ARE SHARKS IMPORTANT?

Sharks are fascinating and diverse animals, but there's much more to them than that. A world without sharks would have serious consequences for marine and freshwater ecosystems. As well as, the many human communities and economies that depend on them. Diverse shark populations are important for:

  • HEALTHY OCEANS - sharks play an integral role in keeping our oceans healthy. They do this by keeping other populations in check and preying on the sick and old. This prevents the spread of disease and improves the gene pool.

  • OUR WELL BEING - many divers relay magical experiences with sharks - indeed this is often the highlight of any diving trip. Research shows that experiencing nature improves our well-being. 

  • THE ECONOMY - shark and ray fisheries provide jobs and income for communities across the world. The rise in ecotourism is also placing a financial value on the presence of sharks. Only by managing fisheries sustainably can we ensure these livelihoods in the future.

  • GLOBAL DIVERSITY - sharks are an integral part of our natural world and support biodiversity. We've inherited these amazing animals and we want to pass them on to future generations.

And yet many species are in danger of disappearing from our waters. The biggest threat faced by sharks across the world is overfishing. This is why we focus so much of our efforts on fisheries management. It gets right to the heart of the problem.

Our work delivers practical and effective shark conservation. Working to improve, implement and enforce legislation, and to transform fisheries. All with the aim of safeguarding the future of sharks.

Click on the button below to find out more about work.

Saving Sharks


Related Links:

► Get Involved

► Find out about the 10-year plan

Published: 4th November, 2018

Updated: 1st November, 2019

Author: Hannah Tarrant

Related topics:
  • Discover Sharks
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • News Digest - January

    News Digest - January

    Check out our selection of top shark stories for the month. Covering the latest news and discoveries from around the world...

  • Shark Focus Magazine (Issue 65)

    Shark Focus Magazine (Issue 65)

    In this issue we're dispelling some of the common shark myths. Exploring how we can all shift the current negative narrative surrounding sharks, by the way we talk about them.

  • News Digest - December

    News Digest - December

    Check out our selection of top shark stories for the month. Covering the latest news and discoveries from around the world...

  • CREATURE FEATURE: Bull Shark

    CREATURE FEATURE: Bull Shark

    So named for their short, blunt snout and cantankerous nature. Generally solitary animals, Bull Sharks like to be left alone and can be very territorial.

Related

  • Shark Ecology

    Shark Ecology

    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.

  • Shark Biology

    Shark Biology

    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.

  • Skates & Rays

    Skates & Rays

    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.

  • Chimaera

    Chimaera

    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.

  • Experience Sharks

    Experience Sharks

    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.

  • Shark Threats

    Shark Threats

    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.

  • Shark Attacks (Bite Incidents)

    Shark Attacks (Bite Incidents)

    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.

  • Shark Trust Resources

    Shark Trust Resources

    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.

  • Pup's Activity Zone

    Pup's Activity Zone

    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.

Most read

  • Canada Protects Endangered Mako Sharks with Groundbreaking Atlantic Ban

    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.

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

    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

    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.

  • Male & Female 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 Taxonomy

    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

    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

    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

    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.

  • News Digest - November

    News Digest - November

    Check out our selection of top shark stories for the month. Covering the latest news and discoveries from around the world...

Sign Up to our Newsletter

* indicates required
Email Format

We'll only use the information you provide on this form to email you monthly updates and marketing. Please tick the box below to confirm you're happy for us to email you.

You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us Or by contacting us. We treat your information with respect. Read our Privacy Policy to find out more. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Find us

Registered Office
The Shark Trust
4 Creykes Court
The Millfields
Plymouth
PL1 3JB, UK

+44 (0)1752 672008

Links

  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Linkedin

© 2020 Shark Trust (unless otherwise attributed). Registered Charity No. 1064185. Registered Company No. 3396164