Sharks
Our ocean ecosystems are under threat
Sharks are apex predators, playing a vital role in regulating the ocean ecosystem. Known as the “doctors of the sea”, they maintain ocean health by preying on sick or injured animals, keeping the spread of disease at bay. Even kelp forests – vital carbon sinks – rely on sharks to keep grazers like sea turtles and dugongs in check.
However, sharks are hunted relentlessly for their meat and fins, and are under ever-increasing pressure. It is estimated that 100 million sharks are killed by humans every year, often for the shark fin trade. Of the 11 species preferred for shark fin soup, eight are either endangered or critically endangered.
At the Wildlife Justice Commission, sharks are one of our species of focus in marine investigations, and we are working hard to disrupt criminal networks illegally exporting shark fin globally.
How we fight the trafficking of marine species
The Wildlife Justice Commission works to disrupt and help dismantle criminal networks, encourage the growth of political will to combat these problems, and build tomorrow's sustainable solutions. To protect vulnerable species from exploitation, we:
- conduct intelligence-led investigations
- bridge the intelligence gap with intelligence analysis
- share intelligence and investigative findings with governments and stakeholders
- build sustainable solutions through training and mentoring
- urge governments to act
Donations made to the Wildlife Justice Commission are tax-deductible under Dutch law, as we have ANBI status. EU citizens can also make their contributions tax-deductible, and WJC is eligible to receive gifts from donor advised funds. See our Donate section for more details on how you can help us to fight transnational organised wildlife crime. Donating from the USA? Click here.
