Shark Trust – Safeguarding the Future of Sharks

Founded in 1997, the Shark Trust is a UK-based marine conservation charity dedicated to protecting sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras worldwide.

Through scientific research, citizen science, public education and international conservation advocacy, the organization works to reverse population declines and secure a future for these extraordinary marine animals.

Protecting Threatened Sharks and Rays
Sharks and rays face increasing pressure from overfishing, bycatch, habitat degradation and unsustainable trade. The Shark Trust advocates for stronger fisheries management, science-based catch limits and improved conservation measures to protect vulnerable species. Its Oceanics Programme focuses on highly migratory sharks and rays, while its Mediterranean Programme addresses the serious conservation challenges facing these animals in one of the world's most heavily exploited seas.

The Great Eggcase Hunt
One of the Shark Trust's best-known initiatives is the Great Eggcase Hunt, a citizen science project that encourages people to search beaches for empty shark and skate eggcases, often called mermaid's purses. By identifying and recording these discoveries, volunteers contribute valuable information about species distribution and breeding habitats. The project has collected more than 630,000 eggcase records, demonstrating how public participation can support marine research.

Shark Sightings and Underwater Research
Through Shark Log, the Shark Trust invites divers, snorkellers and ocean enthusiasts to record shark and ray sightings. Its Basking Shark Project collects observations of these enormous plankton-feeding sharks, helping researchers understand their distribution. The Great Shark Snapshot encourages dive centres and recreational divers to contribute observations from around the world.

Fighting Overfishing
The Shark Trust campaigns for stronger protection of oceanic sharks and rays, including improved fisheries regulations and international cooperation.Through its Big Shark Pledge campaign, the organization mobilizes public support for conservation action aimed at rebuilding threatened populations.

Education and Community Engagement
The organization provides educational resources, species identification guides and opportunities for people of all ages to become involved in shark conservation. It also works with divers, fishing communities and marine stakeholders to promote responsible practices. By combining research, practical participation and international advocacy, the Shark Trust helps people understand the ecological importance of sharks and rays.

Its mission is to create a future in which these remarkable animals thrive in healthy, resilient oceans.

Photo credits by: ©SharkTrust
https://www.sharktrust.org/