LEARN ABOUT SHARKS
The more you know about sharks, the better you can help protect them! Many people fear sharks because of myths and misinformation.
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Here are some things you can do to help sharks:
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Schedule a lesson with Sharks4Kids (in-person or virtual)
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Learn more about sharks by reading books, watching documentaries, and following marine biologists
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Talk to friends, family, and classmates about why sharks are important and why they need protection
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Give a short presentation at school or create a poster about shark conservation that you can share
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Check out our Sharks4Kids YouTube channel and watch one of our FINtastic webinars featuring shark scientists and conservationists from around the world.
SAY 'NO' TO SHARK PRODUCTS
Many sharks are caught and killed for their fins, meat, liver oil, and cartilage, which are used in products like shark fin soup, beauty (skincare) products, and health supplements.
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Here are some ways to help sharks:
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Avoid buying products made from sharks, such as shark fin soup, shark liver oil supplements, or shark teeth jewelry
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Check ingredient labels for squalene, a type of shark liver oil used in cosmetics, and choose plant-based alternatives instead
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Teach others why these products are harmful to shark populations
SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD
Many sharks are caught unintentionally as bycatch in large fishing nets. Choosing sustainable seafood options helps reduce harm to sharks and other marine animals.
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Here are some things to consider about seafood:
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If you eat seafood, look for sustainable labels like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) or Seafood Watch recommendations
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Ask restaurants and stores where their seafood comes from and encourage them to choose sustainable options
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Talk with your family about making responsible seafood choices
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Dive into our THREATS TO SHARKS page and learn more about "bycatch"
REDUCE PLASTIC WASTE
Plastic pollution is a huge threat to sharks and ocean ecosystems. Many sharks accidentally consume plastic, which can make them sick or even kill them.
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Here are some options for reducing plastic waste:
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Use reusable water bottles, bags, and straws instead of options that are single-use plastic (you can even find options with shark designs - great for starting a conversation)
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Say no to single-use plastic utensils and packaging when possible
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Participate in local or virtual plastic-free challenges with friends or family
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If you see litter, pick it up before it reaches the ocean!
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Organize or join a beach or river cleanup - neighborhood cleanups are also important as street drainage may connect with waterways that eventually lead to the ocean
GET CREATIVE FOR CONSERVATION
Use your creativity to spread the message about shark conservation in fun and engaging ways!
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Here are some creative ideas:
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Create shark artwork (drawings, paintings, digital art, etc.) to show why sharks are important
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Write and share stories, poems, or comics featuring sharks
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Make short videos or skits about sharks and post them (with permission) to inspire others
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Design and sell shark-themed crafts (stickers, bracelets, T-shirts) to raise money for conservation projects
FUNDRAISE FOR SHARKS
Every donation - no matter how big or small - can help organizations working to protect sharks!
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Here are some sharktastic fundraising ideas:
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Organize a shark-themed bake sale and donate the proceeds
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Host a shark trivia night or shark art contest with entry fees going to conservation efforts
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Start a "Pennies for Sharks" collection jar in your classroom or community
SHARK SCIENCE & EDUCATION
Understanding sharks is key to protecting them! Get involved and participate in experiences that help you become a shark advocate.
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Here are some ways you can participate in shark science and education:
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Take a Sharks4Kids virtual or in-person class to learn more about sharks
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If you’re near the ocean, join a citizen science project that helps track and study local shark populations
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Visit an aquarium or marine science center that teaches about sharks
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Follow real shark tagging projects and research efforts to see how scientists study sharks. Dive into our SHARK TAGGING page to learn more about the different tags, methods, and data tracking.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
JOIN THE SHIVER!
SHIVER: Collective noun for a group of sharks.
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