The oceanic whitetip shark was once the most common predator of the open seas, but overfishing has now pushed this species to the brink of extinction. By signing the Shark Trust’s petition, you can help secure a future for these sharks.
The well-known oceanic whitetip shark used to be the most widespread shark in tropical open waters. It could be found almost everywhere in warm seas. Decades of heavy overfishing have caused its numbers to plummet, and today it is listed as Critically Endangered.
This is especially worrying because the oceanic whitetip shark plays a key role in marine ecosystems. As a predator, it helps keep fish populations in balance, controls species that could become overabundant, and supports the overall health of ocean life. If these sharks disappear, the entire marine food web will be disrupted.
Although some protective measures have been introduced in recent years, in reality many of these rules exist only on paper. In many areas they are not enforced, and the sharks are still caught in large numbers—often as bycatch, but also deliberately for their fins or meat. Due to the size of the EU’s fishing fleets, its policies—whether positive or negative—have a major impact on global fisheries.
With the Shark Trust’s campaign, you too can stand up for the future of sharks threatened by overfishing! Signing the petition only takes a few moments.
