The crisis facing Earth’s biodiversity is accelerating. Over 42,108 species are currently threatened with extinction—accounting for more than 28% of assessed species globally. Marine species are particularly under pressure: among sharks, rays, and chimaeras, an alarming 75% now face extinction risk.
In coastal regions—home to many marine hotspots—25% of sharks and rays are already classified as threatened, with many more data-deficient. Over the past 50 years, oceanic sharks and rays have declined by 71%, highlighting how overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change are pushing them toward collapse.
This is compounded by the reality that many marine species migrate across vast areas and national boundaries, making global cooperation essential. International agreements like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and the International Whaling Commission are vital tools for safeguarding these species, but they need stronger enforcement to keep pace with the threats.
Every fraction of diversity lost from our oceans reverberates through entire ecosystems. Sharks, rays, and similar species play essential roles as predators, maintaining balance in marine food webs and helping control populations of smaller species. Without them, ecosystems become less resilient to threats like warming seas and pollution.
When sharks and rays vanish, we lose more than just animals—we lose the complex interplay of life that keeps the oceans productive and stable. Their decline imperils not only biodiversity, but food security, coastal livelihoods, and the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon and buffer against climate extremes.
Moreover, the extinction of a species is irreversible. Once a population falls below a critical threshold, recovery becomes exponentially harder—and sometimes impossible. The moral imperative to act is clear: future generations deserve an ocean teeming with life—not one defined by what we failed to protect.
CITES – Sea Save Foundation stands at the frontlines of this effort. At each CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP), we advocate for the inclusion of at-risk species in Appendices that restrict or prohibit international trade. We collaborate with scientists, legal experts, and policymakers to close trade loopholes and support anti-poaching strategies—often working alongside INTERPOL to strengthen enforcement.
Our “Ocean Week in Review” publication reaches thousands weekly, condensing complex marine science and policy developments into accessible, actionable summaries. It keeps policymakers, advocates, and supporters informed amid the noise of our fast-paced world.
Advocacy – When governments fall short—whether in enforcement or in passing necessary legislation—we mobilize supporters with tools that require only a few clicks to send targeted messages to decision-makers. Through these advocacy channels, Sea Save helps ensure that laws aren’t just passed—they’re implemented, monitored, and improved.
