Save our sharks
Will you help us protect sharks in UK waters?
Sharks have been around for millions of years, but today they are in serious decline with many shark species under threat of extinction.
It’s estimated that a staggering 100 million sharks are killed every year worldwide because of unsustainable fishing practices, shark finning, overfishing and habitat destruction. If this continues, we are in danger of losing many of our iconic shark species for ever.
Over 40 different species of shark, live in or visit, UK waters. But sadly around half of those species are currently under threat. Sharks are at the top of the food chain in virtually every location they’re found. Their presence indicates healthy marine ecosystems in our oceans. If we lose sharks, something will have gone seriously wrong with our seas.
We cannot allow this to happen.
MCS is campaigning for better protection
The key to helping sharks and other marine wildlife is to better protect the seas all around the UK.
The Government has recently launched a new consultation on a third and final set of 41 Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ) in English seas. If designated, this will result in 40% of English seas being protected from damaging fishing, recreational and other commercial activities. In addition, there are plans to consult this year on a further four Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in Scotland which will help protect the world’s second biggest fish – the iconic basking shark.
We now have a one last opportunity to complete a network of MPAs in the UK and give marine wildlife, including sharks, more protection. Once created and properly managed, these MPAs will help provide safe havens for sharks and other marine wildlife.
Help us protect threatened sharks in the UK
Your donation can help us fund our campaign for better protection for sharks and other amazing marine wildlife in the UK. Whatever you can afford, it really can make a huge difference to our vital conservation work.
Your support matters…
If you would prefer to make a donation by telephone, please call us on 01989 566017.
Sharks under threat in the UK
- Blue shark
- Angel shark
- Frilled shark
- Basking shark
- Spiny dogfish
- Thresher shark
- Porbeagle<
- Gulper shark
- Angular roughshark
- Nursehound
- Tope shark
- Mako shark
Actions you can take
Did you know?…
21 species of shark live in UK waters throughout the year
Basking sharks typically visit UK waters between May and October
Every year, over 1 million people take part in our campaigns and projects
The future of fisheries is being decided
The UK government has opened a public consultation asking how we think they should manage our fisheries after Brexit through a new Fisheries Bill.