Shark populations around the world are in rapid decline. These ancient predators capture our imaginations, but over 1/3 of all shark species is being pushed towards extinction. Sharks grow relatively slowly, take many years to mature and produce relatively few young. These characteristics make sharks particularly vulnerable to over-exploitation.

These majestic top predators are essential to balance marine ecosystems and to keep them healthy but now face their most severe threat from fishing including overfishing, poorly managed by-catch, illegal fishing and ghost fishing.

With our oceans under threat, conserving sharks is key to maintaining a resilient ocean. The vast diversity of shark species means differing threats to various degrees, some species are threatened, vulnerable and even protected by law, however ongoing fishing and demand for their fins and meat increases the urgency to protect them.

Make a symbolic adoption of a shark today to show your love and support for our oceans. 

What is WWF doing?

In South Africa, WWF-SA’s main intervention is to improve the overall sustainability of fisheries through Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs). FIPs that have action plans linked directly to sharks include the tuna pole and line FIP, the yellowfin tuna longline FIP and hake demersal trawl FIP. In addition, scientific assessments are regularly conducted to inform consumers of the sustainability status of various marine species that are consumed as seafood. Some fisheries can pose unintended impacts such as bycatch, where sharks, ray and other marine animals are caught through non-selective fishing methods.  There are also a number shark species that are red-listed on the WWF-SASSI (Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative). Learn more, support sustainable fisheries and visit https://wwfsassi.co.za/sassi/ or download the free SASSI app to assist you in making the right choices when buying seafood.

WWF-SA also formally objected to the continuation of the demersal shark longline fishery and advocated that the fishery should be phased-out. WWF-SA continues to advocate for an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) that takes an holistic (ecosystem, socio-economic and governance) approach to the management of fisheries as opposed to a traditional ‘target species’ approach. To this end WWF-SA engages directly in the Scientific Working Group (SWG) meetings of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).

How does the symbolic adoption work?

First of all: thank you. You’re choosing something different. This is a special gift because it will help protect the beautiful and sometimes fragile environments that surrounds us – for both people and nature.

This is a perfect gift for animal lovers, environmentalists or simply people with a big heart.

What you get

Certificate

A digital symbolic adoption certificate.

Photograph

A beautiful digital photograph.

Cuddly toy

An optional soft toy to love forever. *Toy may vary from image shown.

Regular updates

We'll keep you updated on how you're supporting our vital work including sending you adoption updates two to three times a year.

Did you know?

Globally, more people are killed by jellyfish than by shark attacks.

With fossil records dating back 400 million years, sharks have outlived the dinosaurs and many other forms of life currently on earth

All sharks are carnivorous feeding on a broad spectrum of prey (depending on the shark species), from zooplankton, small fish, octopus, squid, birds to larger tuna, billfish, l other shark species, dolphins and even whales

Sharks constantly replace their teeth throughout their lifespan. A new set of teeth develops every two weeks.