Shark Trust launches Indian Ocean Sharks Appeal

Yet despite these wins, the threats and pressure faced by oceanic sharks remain all too real. A study published in 2021 indicated that the global abundance of oceanic sharks and rays has declined by 71% owing to an 18-fold increase in relative fishing pressure. With overfishing driving over a third of all sharks and rays towards a global extinction crisis. 

Clearly there is a great deal more work to do, and time is pressing.

As a result, the Shark Trust is building on the years of experience gained from collaboration as a founder member of the Shark League for the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Working now with the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, through which the Trust can directly engage with the governments from over 30 countries all with fishing interests in Indian Ocean high seas.

“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 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.”

With the help of the Big Shark Pledge Community fundraisers, the Trust launched its activity in the Indian Ocean in earnest in 2024, engaging in key meetings and establishing a solid footing. 

But to really get traction over the coming years we need additional funds. We can’t do it without help. A donation today will help us stay at the table, push for stronger protections, and give oceanic sharks a fighting chance. 

Please Donate Now: sharktrust.beaconforms.com/form/fa8b25a2