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

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CREATURE FEATURE: Oceanic Whitetip

Creature Feature - Oceanic Whitetip Shark
CREATURE FEATURE: Cownose Ray

This month we’re showing off one of the lesser-known rays: the Cownose ray. A migratory species, the Cownose ray is so-called due to it’s high-domed head and two lobes on the top of their head. These lobes, when viewed from above, resemble a cow’s nose.
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

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 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

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

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

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)

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

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.

The Changing Landscape of Shark Conservation

WHY ARE SHARKS IMPORTANT?

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