THREATENED SHARK SPECIES IN SOUTH AFRICA The scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) is the and one of the most studied sharks globally. Found in tropical and warm-temperate coastal waters, it is notably present along the east coast of South Africa. This species has been

THREATENED SHARK SPECIES IN SOUTH AFRICA The common smoothhound shark (Mustelus mustelus) is a fascinating medium-sized shark that roams the shallow coastal waters of South Africa. As of 2020, it has been classified as Endangered, primarily due to fishing pressures and the high

THREATENED SHARK SPECIES IN SOUTH AFRICA The shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is a large species found in tropical and warm-temperate waters off South Africa’s coast. Local fisheries catch around 300-700 tonnes per year, mainly through pelagic longline fishing, with some

THREATENED SHARK SPECIES IN SOUTH AFRICA The dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) is a large pelagic species found in tropical and warm temperate waters around the world, including along South Africa’s east and south coasts. It’s particularly common in central and southern

Overfishing threatens the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, pushing many fish species to the brink of collapse and endangering the livelihoods of coastal communities who depend on sustainable fishing practices. This needs to change. Despite these alarming consequences,

THREATENED SHARK SPECIES IN SOUTH AFRICA The ragged-tooth shark (Carcharias taurus) is a large, bottom-dwelling shark with a wide but fragmented range in coastal areas globally. Despite being classified as Critically Endangered worldwide by the IUCN in 2020, South African

THREATENED SHARK SPECIES IN SOUTH AFRICA 🦈 The white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), is a large coastal and open-ocean species, with an essential role along South Africa’s coast. Annual local catches are under one ton, mostly due to the KZN bather protection program, with

THREATENED SHARK SPECIES IN SOUTH AFRICA - The Gulper Sharks 🦈 There are many different types of Gulper Sharks, up to about 4 different species. These are often misidentified in deep sea fisheries because all the species look similar, making them very vulnerable to fisheries.

THREATENED SHARK SPECIES IN SOUTH AFRICA 🦈 The small fin gulper shark (Centrophorus moluccensis) is a demersal shark that is found at depths of 125–820 m on part of South Africa's east coast. Annually, catches of this species are under one ton, mainly from deep-water trawl

THREATENED SHARK SPECIES IN SOUTH AFRICA 🦈 The leafscale gulper shark (Centrophorus squamosus) is a medium-sized shark, typically found at depths between 450–750m. This globally distributed species can be spotted along the entire South African coast and in Namibian waters.

THREATENED SHARK SPECIES IN SOUTH AFRICA 🦈 The little gulper shark (Centrophorus uyato) is a small, deep-sea shark found along the continental shelf at depths of 400–800 m, inhabiting the entire South African and Namibian coastline. Due to its occurrence in deep water, catch

A recent study highlights a drastic decline in sharks, rays, and chimaeras (Chondrichthyan fishes) due to overfishing, with their populations dropping by over 50% since 1970. This decline not only threatens these ancient species but also harms ocean ecosystems. “Sharks and rays

Despite international protections, manta and devil rays face growing threats from unsustainable trade, driven by demand for their meat and gill plates. A new study by The Manta Trust reveals the alarming global scale of exploitation across 75 countries, with key trade routes

Wishing you a joyful festive season! May your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories with your loved ones. Best wishes, The Sharks Under Attack Team 🦈✨

2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with exciting new projects, films, and unforgettable adventures with our team. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us and contributed to the growth of our campaign, and look forward to all that 2025 has to

Happy New Year! 🦈 As we dive into the new year, we’re excited to keep growing and driving awareness for shark and ray conservation in South Africa's waters.

NEWS: Researchers are trialling simple tech to curb sharks misidentifying ocean users as prey in South Africa. Research conducted in Mossel Bay indicates that attaching LEDs to the underside of surfboards or stand-up paddle boards may help with sharks misidentifying ocean users

Conservation often favours species we find beautiful or relatable, leaving others—like deepwater sharks—overlooked and vulnerable. Feared or misunderstood, sharks have a history of being ignored in conservation efforts. These sharks play a critical role in maintaining the

Whale sharks, the largest fish on Earth, can reach an impressive 60 feet in length, and for the first time, researchers may have discovered clues about their mating behaviours. During a May 2024 expedition to Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, scientists observed mature male

We are making some changes and and diving into fresh waters - we will no longer be posting on X/Twitter and will be moving over to BlueSky. To continue to learn more and help support Sharks and Rays, follow us on BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/sharks…