The European Union of Aquariums Curators and the Shark Trust have teamed up to secure decisive action for the iconic Oceanic Whitetip Shark!
Oceanic Whitetip Sharks were once one of the most abundant sharks in the ocean. Decades of overfishing resulted in marked population declines, with Oceanic Whitetips now listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. On Endangered Species Day, a new campaign was launched - Project Oceanic Whitetip - harnessing the collective power of hundreds of thousands of Aquarium visitors across Europe under the banner of Action for Oceanics.
Prized for the very fins they are named for, Oceanic Whitetip Shark populations have reduced by more than 80% in some areas. In response, and as a result of advocacy activities, multiple conservation commitments, including fishing bans and trade restrictions have been adopted by governments across the global ocean.
Yet despite this, Oceanic Whitetips remain under pressure. They continue to fall victim as bycatch in high seas fisheries, are vulnerable to damaging exemptions, and subject to illegal trade. So great is the continued threat, that Oceanic Whitetips have been proposed by Panama for uplisting to Appendix I at the Conference of Parties for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) later this year. A move which would ban international trade in the species altogether. But this alone is not enough.
Galvanised by concern for oceanic sharks and the Oceanic Whitetip in particular, the European Union of Aquarium Curators (EUAC) and the Shark Trust have launched Project Oceanic Whitetip .
Over the next six months Aquariums partners across Europe will harness the support of concerned citizens and visitors alike. Petitioning Member States and the European Commission to take action for oceanics – to take a stand and safeguard the future for this majestic ocean wanderer.
Holding countries to account for existing rules and regulations associated to Oceanic Whitetip Sharks is key to this campaign. With prohibited status and trade restrictions in place across all the global ocean – compliance is key. But this is where things are falling short – despite multiple regulations, Oceanic Whitetips are still caught and traded. With your help, and with colleagues from EUAC, The Shark Trust have taken the campaign concerns direct to government officials in Brussels and London – raising the profile of the concerns first-hand and seeking support going forwards.
Your support matters, and every voice makes the call louder.
Add your signature to the pledge and help project a united voice for oceanic sharks.
