Indian Ocean Sharks Appeal Oceanic sharks are in serious trouble. They're disappearing fast, and time is against us. Please give now. DONATE What are the most urgent needs that oceanic sharks in the Indian Ocean are currently facing? Oceanic sharks are in serious trouble and need better protection from fishing. There is already some management in place to help certain species, like limits on how many can be caught or bans on trading them. But these rules are only effective if governments and industry truly follow them. What long term impacts will these urgent needs have on oceanic sharks if these aren’t addressed? Catching too many sharks can lead to population decline or even extinction. This also impacts on wider ocean health, local economies, and people's access to food. What support is currently happening and what is missing? Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) help manage fishing in international waters. We work through RFMOs to influence decision making, to see science-based management adopted and enforced, and to hold countries to account. In the Indian Ocean, outside pressures are strong, at times leading to the adoption of weaker rules than what's really needed. For greater impact we need to be more closely involved, directly encouraging informed decision making, advocating in person for stronger enforcement of the rules, and providing a robust opposition to profit driven lobbying. What logistical or operational challenges are we encountering in the Indian ocean region? The Indian Ocean is vast and home to a diverse and wide-reaching fishing fleet. A lack of enforcement capacity in some countries, twinned with an extensive number of ports and landing sites, creates serious challenges for compliance. What are our top 3 priorities for the Indian ocean? 1. Keep expanding our engagement with the IOTC, the member Countries and regional networks.2. Help improve how well countries follow and report on existing fishing regulations 3. Target advocacy for the proposal and adoption of science-based conservation measures What support do we need from the shark trust community? Support for our goals through the Big Shark Pledge and donations to the appeal to help hit the £40,000 target. Oceanic sharks are disappearing fast, and time is against us. Overfishing and weak enforcement of existing management are pushing these majestic species toward extinction, threatening the health of our oceans and the communities that rely on them. We’re working urgently to strengthen international fisheries management, improve compliance, and protect these incredible animals before it’s too late. But we can’t do it without your help. Your donation today will help us stay at the table, push for stronger protections, and give oceanic sharks a fighting chance. Please give now, our oceans need you! DONATE Thresher Shark Image © Gillian Marsh Silky Shark Image © Byron Conroy Manage Cookie Preferences