Sharks and rays are key ocean predators; their depletion threatens the health of marine ecosystems and jeopardizes the livelihoods of people around the world.
Approximately 100 million sharks are killed annually, and 37% of all shark and ray species are threatened with extinction. Unsustainable fishing driven by increasing demand for shark products (especially fins) and poorly controlled trade have led to a 90% decline in some shark and ray populations worldwide.
Current levels of conservation and management in most of the world cannot keep pace with these threats. The Shark Conservation Fund’s (SCF) global investment strategy is focused on building and growing robust, durable policy, regulatory and enforcement infrastructures, designed to reverse this decline.
Six years ago when SCF was founded, there were several conservation champions working to protect and preserve sharks and rays but progress was limited because the movement lacked a unified agenda and targeted funding to implement a comprehensive global strategy.
As we deliver SCF’s 2022 Impact Report, SCF is pleased to share that we are turning the tide on the global extinction crisis facing sharks and rays.
SCF’s focus on research, coupled with our global strategic work with hundreds of expert partners, has led us to this critical turning point where our collective ability to drive measurable conservation impact through better policies, smarter implementation, and more effective enforcement and compliance is leading to real change in the ocean.
Thank you for your support of our mission and I invite you to learn more about our 2022 accomplishments in the pages below.
Sincerely,
Lee Crockett Executive Director
