Shark Conservation Fund (SCF)

Happy #InternationalGhostSharkDay! ???? Today, we celebrate the ghost shark, also known as chimaeras. They are a unique member of the elasmobranch subclass that includes sharks and rays, all characterized by their cartilaginous skeletons. However, chimaeras set themselves apart from their more familiar relatives through some distinct features, like having just one single gill slit and the inability to regenerate teeth throughout their lives. There are only about 50 known species of chimaera, most of which live in the deep sea. Thanks to advances in technology, we’re continuing to explore the ocean's depths and gaining further insight into the mysteries of the deep - Just last month, a new species of chimaera, Harriota avia, was discovered, underscoring just how much more there is to learn about our vast ocean. Read about it here: https://bit.ly/3NG1UnQ As #Halloween ?? approaches, it's important to remember that although an ocean full of sharks might seem scary to some, the real fright is an ocean without them – Sharks play vital, irreplaceable ecological roles that maintain the health, balance, and biodiversity of marine ecosystems. Existing conservation efforts have not kept pace with the rapid decline of global shark populations. That’s why #SharkConservationFund is dedicated to protecting the diverse array of elasmobranchs through strategic grantmaking, ensuring the stability of marine environments worldwide. Learn more about our mission: https://bit.ly/4f25xR4 Video Credit to NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, 2016 Deepwater Exploration of the Marianas (https://bit.ly/4fpoAVk).

Sawfish are among the most endangered elasmobranchs on the planet. ???? This #InternationalSawfishDay, we’re excited to showcase a few remarkable #SharkConservationFund grantees who are making strides in safeguarding these incredible species across the globe. 1) Wildlife Conservation Society in Papua New Guinea This project aims to conserve sawfish and rhino rays—two of the most endangered elasmobranchs globally—in Papua New Guinea. The approach involves developing effective policies, engaging local communities, and collecting new data to enhance conservation efforts in the region. 2) Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) Under this project, AMCS aims to protect Australia’s elasmobranchs, including sawfish, from threats like commercial fishing and shark control programs. The project also seeks to secure strong protections for threatened species, such as the recently implemented gillnet bans in the Gulf of Carpentaria—home to some of the last viable sawfish populations—to prevent entanglement and reduce mortality rates. 3) Shark Advocates International (SAI), a project of The Ocean Foundation SAI and its partners will track and accelerate the recovery of Florida’s smalltooth sawfish by expanding outreach, promoting enforcement of safeguards, and facilitating research under the Endangered Species Act Recovery Plan. The project also strengthens NGO partnerships to enhance capacity for conserving critical habitats and improving fisheries management. 4) Shark Advocated International, a project of The Ocean Foundation This project is designed to begin implementing the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group (SSG) revised Global Sawfish Strategy in the Caribbean. SAI and its partners intend to make scientific and policy progress in the Bahamas and Cuba while mapping out future work in Costa Rica and Colombia. 5) Murdoch University's Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems This project aims to utilize advanced genetic methods to analyze nearly 300 juvenile sawfish caught in north-western Australia to determine critical life history information to improve management of the species and their habitats. 6) Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi To assist sawfish recovery teams in North America, this project will use genetic methods to determine current and historical population sizes, creating a tool for monitoring recovery efforts and improving legal protections. Thank you to all who are working hard to protect these iconic creatures! ?? . . . ?? 1st photo: David Morgan for Murdoch University's Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems ?? 2nd photo: Dana M Bethea, NOAA Fisheries

What is #SharksInternational ? ?? Sharks International is the world’s largest conference for elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, and chimaeras). It brings together shark scientists and policy makers to discuss the latest discoveries in elasmobranch research, advances in management, and provides a platform to explore collaborations. Previous editions were held in Spain (2022), Brazil (2018), South Africa (2014), and Australia (2010). We are proud and excited as this is the first time that this conference is convening on the Asian continent and we are striving to make it the most equitable and accessible conference to date. Please share and follow (including our dedicated SI2026 pages on Instagram and Facebook) and we look forward to seeing you all in Sri Lanka in 2026! Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) Shark Conservation Fund (SCF) New England Aquarium (MCAF) #Sharksinternational2026 #Blueresourcestrust #Srilanka #Elasmobranch

“This study verifies what we’ve long suspected– sharks are critical to ocean health" - Lee Crockett, Executive Director of #SharkConservationFund. ???? Recent Shark Conservation Fund funded research, led by FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education, highlights how sharks play diverse ecological roles, like helping maintain healthy seagrass ecosystems, making them more resilient to extreme climate events. Unfortunately, overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change threaten their populations. ?? The global commitments to fisheries reform and #30x30 provide a unique opportunity to include sharks as key components of biodiversity restoration efforts. Read FIU's press release here: https://bit.ly/3SAPtfT #SDG14 #MPAs Michael Heithaus Yannis Papastamatiou Simon Dedman

???? New study published in Science Magazine reveals the outsized role #sharks play in maintaining #biodiversity and ecosystem health. Sharks, often misunderstood, are critical to the health of marine environments. From the tropics to polar waters, and from the surface to the #deepsea, there are over 500 species of sharks that play a variety of roles in the ocean. ?? Recent research highlights how these magnificent creatures act as ecosystem architects. For example, the largest shark species help maintain healthy seagrass ecosystems, making them more resilient to extreme climate events. This vital role underscores the importance of sharks in the ocean's complex web of life. Unfortunately, sharks are in trouble. Overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change threaten their populations. The global commitments to fisheries reform and #30x30 provide a unique opportunity to include them as key components of biodiversity restoration efforts. By protecting sharks, we protect the ocean. Check out the new Shark Conservation Fund and Florida International University infographic and study to learn more about the many roles sharks play as ecosystem architects: https://lnkd.in/dcaW-9Sw #SharkConservationFund #SDG14 #MPAs FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education Michael Heithaus Yannis Papastamatiou Simon Dedman

This #SharkAwarenessDay, Shark Conservation Fund celebrates significant strides governments have taken to conserve sharks worldwide. For example: ???? ?? Panama stops export of all shark species listed on the Convention on International Trade (CITES), halting shark trade. ???? ?? Cuba adds oceanic whitetip sharks to their List of Species of Special Significance for Biological Diversity, securing national protection designation. ???? ?? Queensland Government bans gillnets and establishes new Net-Free Zones in the Gulf of Carpentaria, safeguarding sharks and other species from entanglement. ???? ?? NOAA Fisheries proposes rule to extend protective regulations to oceanic whitetip shark under the Endangered Species Act. . . . ?? Kimmo Hagman

We could not agree more with Antha Williams (Bloomberg Philanthropies) and Jim Simon (Oceana).?Not only do we need accelerate the designation of new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to be able to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030,?but we?must also secure?effective, enforceable?protections?proven to improve ocean health.? ? One way to do that? ? Prioritize shark?conservation. ? The protection of sharks and rays safeguards against further species and habitat loss, enhancing ecosystem biodiversity. Areas with healthy shark populations have been shown to boast larger and more abundant fish populations, more intact seagrasses, and more vibrant reefs. Healthy shark populations?are also linked to?healthy ocean ecosystems that are then more resilient to climate change.? ? Despite their significant role?in ocean ecosystems, less than 2% of current MPAs include shark-specific management measures. To address this issue, Shark Conservation Fund launched the Shark Biodiversity Initiative,?which uses?a two-pronged approach to advance conservation: ? 1. Ensuring?priority habitats such as high biodiversity areas, migratory corridors, and places where the most endangered shark species are found are prioritized for MPA development or other spatial protections.? ? 2. Securing the adoption of conservation measures proven to reduce shark mortality?in?the management plans of?new or?existing MPAs.? ? As one of the oldest and most diverse groups of animals on Earth, sharks play a myriad of important ecological, cultural, and economic roles in the ocean.? Protect sharks, protect biodiversity - bolster the 30x30 initiative.? ? Learn more about the Shark Biodiversity Initiative:?https://lnkd.in/dvac2P4U

We are #hiring! ?? The Shark Conservation Fund is seeking a skilled Grants & Operations Manager to join our dedicated team. If you have experience in grant management and a passion for ocean conservation, we would like to hear from you! Learn more about this opportunity here: https://bit.ly/4c8HOgG #JoinOurTeam #GrantsManager #WorkInConservation #JobOpening #NowHiring . . . ??: Ian Scott

Let’s make waves to manage and conserve the Mediterranean Sea’s sharks and rays! ?? ?? Over half of these Mediterranean species are a risk of disappearing from our seas forever. The Mediterranean region hosts some of the world’s leading shark trading nations, where many CITES-listed species are illegally and unsustainably captured and traded. Your voice can drive change! Join us for a webinar hosted with WWF Mediterranean, where we invite you to share insights on the interventions needed to support CITES implementation for shark and ray conservation. Webinar topics: ?? Current status of CITES for sharks and rays in the Mediterranean ?? Challenges in species identification ?? Mediterranean legal frameworks ?? Challenges for the fisheries sector ?? Enforcement hurdles ?? Strategies to help turn the tide for sharks and rays Mark your calendars: ?? Friday, 21 June ? 10 AM – 12:30 PM CEST Register here to help protect our oceans: https://loom.ly/D1REolI European Commission FAO Shark Conservation Fund (SCF) WWF-Adria WWF European Policy Office WWF Italia WWF-North Africa WWF Espa?a WWF-France IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group (SSG) Europol #sharkconservation #CITES #oceanprotection #saveourseas #marinelife

On this #WorldOceanDay, let’s acknowledge the invaluable role of #sharks in nurturing a vibrant and resilient ocean. ?? Areas with healthy shark populations have been shown to boast larger and more abundant fish populations that help sustain billions of people who rely on seafood for nourishment and income. As the pressures of overfishing and climate change persist, and as research continues to shed light on how sharks can help mitigate these threats, the importance of safeguarding sharks becomes increasingly evident. At Shark Conservation Fund, we are steadfast in our commitment to driving #WavesofChange for ocean health through strategic shark conservation efforts. By safeguarding sharks, we ensure a healthier future for our oceans and communities. ?? Explore more about our initiatives: https://lnkd.in/etGmtmX5 . . . ??: Olivier Bourgeois via Getty Images