Shark Conservation

Sharks have lived in the ocean for more than 400 million years, even before dinosaurs. There are more than 500 species of sharks, and most of them are harmless to people. Sharks play an important role in keeping the ocean healthy. Sadly, millions of sharks are killed every year, and many species are now in danger.

Why Sharks Matter

Sharks are top predators that keep the ocean ecosystem in balance. They eat sick and weak fish, which keeps fish populations healthy. Without sharks, the whole ocean food chain can fall out of balance. When shark numbers drop, it affects everything from coral reefs to seagrass beds.

Protecting Sharks

About 100 million sharks are killed every year, mostly for their fins. Shark finning, where sharks are caught just for their fins and then thrown back, has been banned in many countries. Marine protected areas give sharks safe places to live and breed. Scientists tag sharks to track their movements and learn how to protect them better.

Fun Facts

• The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, growing up to 40 feet long, but it only eats tiny plankton!
• Sharks do not have bones. Their skeletons are made of cartilage, the same flexible material in your nose and ears.
• Some sharks must keep swimming to breathe, because water needs to flow over their gills.

Did You Know?

You are more likely to be struck by lightning than to be bitten by a shark. Sharks are not as dangerous to people as movies make them seem!