Saving Sharks, Saving the Ocean

The ocean ecosystems extend from the tiniest of microorganisms, seagrass, and corals all the way to the top of the food chain with killer whales, leopard seals, and sharks! Among all factors of the ocean ecosystems, sharks are by far one of the most important to maintaining the ocean’s health. Marine life is not the only thing to rely on a healthy ocean, in fact, our entire planet relies on the ocean to survive.

A major issue our oceans are facing is the unsustainable decline of shark numbers. Due to shark finning and over-fishing, nearly one-quarter of both shark and ray species have been classified as Threatened with Extinction. Together as a global community, from ocean enthusiasts to marine biologists, it's time to take action in shark conservation to protect not only shark populations but our oceans at large.

To combat this crisis, you can join in partnership to advocate for endangered species of sharks with the following tips.

Support Shark Tourism

Sharks are at an incredibly vulnerable state with a decline in populations. In order to reboot and maintain an abundant ocean, we need to start spreading the word about overexploitation. Saving shark populations and advocating for this cause can be done in both big and little ways. Supporting shark tourism may not be the first idea that comes to mind, but it plays a vital role here. Shark diving, when done responsibly, supports and protects shark populations. In order to dive with sharks, they need to be alive and well. Shark tourism is a multi-million dollar industry that helps protect and conserve the shark populations. Not only will you get to experience the adrenaline rush of swimming with sharks, but you’ll be standing up for a cause at the same time.

Utilize Your Social Circle

How can the public know about declining shark populations if no one tells them? Your voice is a powerful tool for spreading the word and raising awareness for the cause. You have the ability to reduce the fear of sharks and introduce new mindsets within your social networks. Simply posting informative articles about shark conservation, speaking in local schools, and sharing fun facts or documentaries can truly make an impact on making sharks a highlight to conversations and reducing fears. Social media is a great way to advocate for sharks in a positive light.

Speak Up for Charities and Brands

You can become involved in a plethora of areas that promote shark conservation and awareness. One of the most common ways people give back to this cause is through monetary donations. Rather than simply giving money to an organization, you can turn it up a notch and have more fun with it. You can purchase things like shark club memberships, adopt a shark, donate to wildlife conservation foundations, and even give these as gifts for birthdays, graduations, and more. Taking your shark passion and advocacy to the next level, you can also become a brand ambassador. Shark Angels is a great place to start. There are so many brands out there to support sharks, you just have to pick one… or even a few!

There’s no question that when you save the shark populations, you’re saving the oceans. Our planet fully relies on healthy oceans and sharks are a major part of that. We want to see shark populations on an incline, and the best way you can support that is by spreading the word!