Support Sharks
Learn more about sharks and how you can best support WWF
Around 50% of sharks are considered threatened or near threatened
The ocean home of these magnificent ocean predators is at risk. Climate change is warming the seas and disrupting marine ecosystems. Meanwhile, plastic pollution and abandoned "ghost" fishing gear pose further dangers.
These combined pressures are pushing many shark species toward decline, highlighting the urgent need for stronger conservation efforts.
Read on to find out about WWF's work to protect sharks, and how you can help too.
How does WWF work help to protect sharks?
PROTECTING CORAL REEFS
WWF is working around the world to better protect and manage our oceans, including vital shark habitats. Many shark species depend on coral reefs as their hunting grounds. Their loss means sharks have fewer places to live, hunt and reproduce.
50% of the world's coral reefs have been lost and the rest could disappear completely by 2050 if climate change remains unchecked.
Read more about WWF's work in Belize Barrier Reef.
Stopping illegal trade
Sharks are sometimes caught deliberately for their fins, which are a delicacy in some countries.
WWF collaborates with TRAFFIC, an anti-wildlife trade organisation, to stop illegal trade in shark products.
Keeping UK oceans clean
Did you know that sharks even come to visit us in the UK? From basking sharks to blue sharks and even Greenland sharks.
By keeping UK oceans as clean as we can, we can reduce the likelihood of sharks ingesting plastic or getting tangled up in it. Beyond UK waters, we are working with fisheries around the world to reduce accidental bycatch, a major cause of shark death.
Read about some of our basking shark conservation success stories.
How can you help protect sharks?
Make a donation to help fund WWF's vital work around the work to bring our world back to life
Join WWF today and support the incredible work we're doing to help nature thrive
Pick up a cute shark cuddly toy, or browse our other ocean themed products
Learn more about sharks
Sharks have become misunderstood creatures that actually provide huge benefits to our oceans. Did you know that they have been around for over 400 million years (long before dinosaurs)? Or that the basking shark is Britain’s largest fish and the second largest in the world?
Discover more about these magnificent creatures by watching our top 10 facts video!