Project Oceanic Whitetip
Project Whitetip is a partnership between EUAC (European Union of Aquarium Curators) and the Shark Trust which will engage and activate aquarium visitors to support positive conservation for the Critically Endangered Oceanic Whitetip (Carcharhinus longimanus).
Why Oceanic whitetips?
They were once the most abundant sharks in the ocean. Now Oceanic Whitetips are Critically Endangered. Governments have agreed multiple international measures to limit the impact of fisheries. But they are failing to deliver on their obligations and populations continue to decline. Project Whitetip brings together a community of aquariums and European Citizens to call on EU policymakers to complete the circle and implement the protections needed for recovery of this species. Whitetips are a charismatic and well-known shark species, belonging to the particularly threatened group of oceanic sharks. These sharks and rays, which move across borders and inhabit international waters, are subject to intense fishing pressure. This is placing populations at risk. International collaboration and a commitment to address overfishing through science-based fisheries management is a realistic route to recovery for these, and the many shark species threatened with extinction. This is an iconic species which has been put at risk due to overfishing – one of the major threats to global marine biodiversity. Now, despite numerous bans, bycatch is a significant threat to the species. The story of the Oceanic Whitetip, and the conservation solution, is a demonstration of how fisheries can and should be managed if we are to secure healthier oceans.