An ocean without sharks is a frightening place

For over 420 million years, sharks and rays have roamed our oceans, maintaining balance in ever-changing marine ecosystems.

Australia is home to 322 species of sharks and rays, with 51% of these unique to our waters.

However this biodiversity hotspot of sharks and rays is under attack from a number of sources.

Australia’s east coast shark culling programs are outdated, ineffective and disastrous for marine animals.

Bycatch from fishery trawlers, shark netting, culling, as well as  baited drum lines are drastically threatening shark and ray numbers. As well as other marine species including dolphins, whales, turtles and more.

We propose an end to lethal shark control programs, and an end to unsustainable shark fishing.

These programs can be replaced by modern beach-safety measures such as surveillance drones, personal shark deterrents, technology-driven alert systems and education programs.

We are also advocating for better management to prevent the unsustainable exploitation and bycatch of sharks and rays in fishery activity.

In 2019, we were successful in a legal challenge against the operation of lethal drumlines in the Great Barrier Reef — read the full story.

Since 2018 HSI’s shark conservation work in Australia has been supported by the Shark Conservation Fund in a partnership with the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

Sign the petition to help bring an end to the use of outdated shark control methods on the Australian east coast.

Make smarter seafood choices, such as avoiding buying shark (flake) and choosing sustainable alternatives.

Share this page to help raise awareness of the issue.

Become a Shark Champion, and help us protect Australia’s sharks and rays.