
There are over 500 species of sharks in our oceans – from the massive Whale Shark, which feeds on plankton, to the fast Great White Shark, one of the most well-known predators in the world. Other species such as the Hammerhead Shark or the mysterious Goblin Shark demonstrate how diverse and specialized sharks are.
Sharks often sit at the top of the food chain. As apex predators, they regulate fish populations and remove sick or weak animals. In this way, they help keep marine ecosystems healthy and stable.
Many shark species are threatened by overfishing, bycatch, and the trade in shark fins. Since sharks grow slowly and have few young, their populations are slow to recover. Protecting them means protecting entire ocean systems.