Shark and marine conservation.
Fascinating sharks
Sharks have lived on earth for over 400 million years and are perfectly adapted to their environment.
Ecological balance
Many sharks are at the top of the food chain and thus ensure an ecological balance in the ocean.
Dangers for sharks
Every year, 100 to 150 million sharks are killed on purpose or as bycatch. Every third shark species is threatened with extinction.
SHARKPROJECT for shark conservation
We are focusing our efforts on shark conservation where the greatest need is. In addition to the fight against excessive fishing, the creation of marine protected areas and educational work are also very important.
Fishing
Overfishing, destructive fishing methods, and the demand for shark products are endangering shark populations and thus the health of the Ocean ecosystem.
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Marine protected areas
Marine protected areas are one of the most important and effective tools for marine conservation and therefore also for shark conservation.
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Education
We cannot protect what we do not understand. Education is crucial in the context of shark and marine conservation.
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Lobbying
In addition to the focus areas and projects listed, SHARKPROJECT carries out important political work and education to create an understanding of shark and marine conservation and to gain more political influence.
RFMOs
SHARKPROJECT is accredited observer for the RFMOs (Regional Fishery Management Organizations), ICCAT, IOTC, WCPFC and IATTC. We call for ecosystem-based fisheries management for all species, including bycatch and marine ecosystems. Important demands are: “Fins Naturally Attached”, improved transparency through monitoring, full reporting of all catches and bycatch, public access to fishery-specific and vessel-specific bycatch data, and the use of better, selective fishing gear. The combination of human observers and electronic monitoring systems is recommended to increase transparency.
Bottom Trawling
SHARKPROJECT is committed at various levels to end bottom trawling, one of the most damaging types of fishing. Among other things, we are a member of the “Transform Bottom Trawling” coalition and call for stricter measures to regulate bottom trawling. These include the establishment and tightening of coastal exclusion zones, a general ban on bottom trawling in marine protected areas, the end of subsidies for this fishery and the prevention of its expansion into new areas. The aim is to protect sensitive habitats and ecosystems.
IUU
SHARKPROJECT seeks to exert political influence and inform the public through social media campaigns, the support of partner campaigns and the signing of open letters. We demand absolute transparency and complete documentation in fisheries, 100% monitoring of all fishing activities and global regulations on fishing and MPAs. These measures should ensure the protection of the marine environment and the sustainable use of fish stocks.
Cooperations
In order to cover our focus areas and realize the projects, we collaborate with various partner organizations.
Act together for shark conservation you can help!
We rely on your support so that we can continue to combat the dangers to sharks, establish marine protected areas and carry out educational work.
Become active yourself or help us with your donation.
Contact
your contact person Jan Bierwirth
If you have any questions about our main focuses, or would like to know how you can best support us, please feel free to contact Jan from SHARKPROJECT directly.
your contact person Thomas Gahr
If you have any questions about our main focuses, or would like to know how you can best support us, please feel free to contact Thomas from SHARKPROJECT directly.