Fisheries Conservation Foundation

SHARK CONSERVATION

Increasingly, human activity is exerting negative impacts on shark populations. Due to diminishing numbers of other commercially available fish species, many sharks are now being over harvested as a food resource in many areas where they were previously unexploited. In addition, habitat destruction and pollution are presenting added long-term problems for many sharks. Because many species of sharks exhibit slow growth, late maturity, and low fecundity, they are particularly vulnerable to rapid population declines. This campaign is addressing these issues, as well as the pervasive misinformation/lack of education about sharks in general.

PROJECTS

Formation of the SOSF-FCF Shark Conservation Consortium

FCF has partnered with the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) to form SOSF-FCF Shark Conservation Consortium (SCC). Together, we will be addressing an array of global threats to shark populations, including shark finning activities.

Shark Tournament: October 2008

FCF continues its role as sponsor and coordinator of an international, IGFA-sanctioned, catch-tag-and-release-only tournament to promote the conversion of existing traditional shark tournaments to total no-kill events. The 2008 TRADE-WINDS ENVIRONMENTAL STEPHEN SLOAN MEMORIAL INTERNATIONAL SHARK TAG & RELEASE TOURNAMENT will be held October 3-5 in Montauk, NY. A new video has been produced describing the Fisheries Conservation Foundation’s shark conservation goals and how Trade-Winds Environmental and FCF are setting out to change how shark tournaments are run while promoting the conservation of the ocean’s top predator. To view the video, learn about the tournament goals, schedule of events, and registration information, go to our Shark Tournament Page.

Effects of Inshore Pollution

To help focus concern on the plight of coastal shark species, FCF is assisting scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory to produce a video that describes the negative impacts of inshore pollution on coastal sharks. This video, which is scheduled to be shown on hotel televisions throughout the state of Florida, is nearing completion.

cAMPAIGN CONTACTS:

David Philipp (FCF)
Robert Hueter (FCF)
Greg Skomal (FCF)

Email the Shark Conservation Campaign: SC at fishconserve.org