ReShark
An international, collective effort to recover threatened sharks and rays around the world
© Rebecca Bateman
Why are sharks important?
-
Great indicators
Sharks are great indicators of ecosystem health, from the frigid Arctic to the warm South Pacific, shallow reefs to deep canyons.
-
Balance ecosystems
Sharks balance the food web by removing sick and injured prey, improving the health of prey populations and the overall ecosystem.
-
Incredibly diverse
There are over 1,000 species of sharks and rays worldwide. Among many superlatives, sharks claim the title of world’s largest fish (whale shark - 39 feet or 12 meters) and world’s longest living vertebrate (Greenland shark – 400 years).
-
Slow and steady
For most species of sharks, population growth is relatively slow: it can take years to reach sexual maturity. Designation of marine protected areas and shark fishing moratoria are critical steps to conserving these species, but it may not be enough — more hands-on intervention is sometimes required.
© Mark Erdmann
Active Projects
© Mark Erdmann