The Shark Trust has launched a new campaign expanding its Oceanics Programme to include sharks in the Indian Ocean, a hotspot for shark overfishing.
The Shark Trust has been campaigning for the conservation of oceanic sharks for more than 20 years, and has been instrumental in securing protections for a number of endangered species.
The charity was among the top campaigners behind the introduction of the first international catch limit for Atlantic Blue Sharks, protections for the North Atlantic shortfin mako, and other hard-fought measures for hammerheads, whale sharks and manta rays.
Although there has been much progress in the way of shark and ray conservation, a 2021 study found that one-third of all shark and ray species are threatened with extinction, including 71 per cent of pelagic sharks due to an 18-fold increase in fishing pressure.
The Shark Trust launched its activity in the Indian Ocean in 2024 with the help of its Big Shark Pledge community fundraisers, and has since been working with the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, through which it can engage with the governments of more than 30 countries that have fishing interests in the Indian Ocean.
‘Extending our work to the Indian Ocean is a vital step to secure science-based management for these highly threatened oceanic species,’ said Ali Hood, Director of Conservation for the Shark Trust.
‘Overfishing twinned with the adoption of weak measures, plus poor compliance with existing management, are all factors pushing Indian Ocean species toward extinction, threatening the health of our ocean and the communities that rely on it.’
The new Indian Ocean fundraiser will help to expand the programme in the Indian Ocean, with the aim of increasing protections through partnerships with regional stakeholders.
To donate to the Indian Ocean Sharks Appeal, head to the Shark Trust’s donation page.
Learn more about the Shark Trust’s work at www.sharktrust.org, and follow the team on Instagram @thesharktrust and Facebook @thesharktrust
