Stop the Overexploitation of Endangered Sharks in the Global Shark Fin Trade

Update - Campaign Win!

On Nov. 17th, an overwhelming majority of global leaders voted to list requiem sharks as a CITES protected species – the biggest shark protection measure in CITES history. Requiem sharks – one of the ocean's largest and most important shark families – have been fished to the edge of extinction. The listing will not only protect endangered requiem sharks from trade, but also will regulate more than 90 percent of the global shark fin trade, up from 25% prior to the vote.

An upcoming vote this week amongst over 180 nations could protect endangered sharks from being commercially finned. Can you add your name to our letter urging world leaders to end this gruesome practice?

The global appetite for fins and lack of sufficient management of commercial fisheries has devastated shark populations. Today, nearly two-thirds of requiem sharks – one of the ocean’s largest and most important shark families – have been fished to the edge of extinction.

But we have an unprecedented opportunity to save requiem sharks from global extermination. This week, world governments will hold their annual Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) and vote on whether to add requiem sharks to the list of protected species, and by doing so, regulate the majority of the global shark fin trade.

The proposed listing would be a critical first step to help safeguard a future for these species amid the ongoing global collapse of shark populations.

Right now, success is not guaranteed, and the vote could be decided by just a handful of countries. That's where you come in.

By uniting to support this global letter, we can send a clear and powerful message to world leaders: We will not stand by and allow sharks to be erased from the ocean. 

We’ll deliver the letter to key delegates ahead of the CITES conference, and give leaders the necessary public support to vote in favor of protecting sharks. 

Click here to view the official letter.

Please add your name to the letter on behalf of the world’s sharks, then share the campaign on social media to help build momentum.

*If you add your name and your country has an open comment period on the proposed requiem shark listing, we will submit the official letter as a comment on your behalf.