Shark conservationists have banded together to raise awareness to important issues about saving sharks. The Shark Angels are a global network using outreach, media, and education to increase awareness and promote others to help save the sharks and oceans.

Shark Angels use a network of global collaboration, working to inspire members to bring the messages to their local communities. Their motto: By harnessing the power of the passionate around the world, together, as guardian angels, we can save sharks.

Statistics from their website indicate that over 73,000,000 sharks will be killed this year. This kind of loss will lead several species to extinction. If you are one of the uninformed, only knowing sharks as the kind of deadly beasts in Hollywood movies, you may think this is great news. Actually, it isn’t good at all. Sharks are an important part of the marine ecosystem. Their eating habits, which do not include humans, keep the ecosystem stable. Some studies have indicated that the loss of some breeds of sharks could cause coral reefs to die out and overpopulation of some species, such as cow-nose rays. An example of how damaging the loss of sharks is this: If sharks become extinct in the mid-Atlantic area of the U.S., the shellfish industry will be destroyed. The reason for this is that the cow-nose ray population will rise unchecked. Their main diet is scallops. Other areas of the world will experience similar problems. In Belize, studies indicate that the extinction of sharks would cause a sudden increase in grouper which will then kill off the parrotfish population. The parrotfish primarily keep coral free of algae, so the coral will also die off.

There is no real way to predict what would happen globally if sharks became extinct, but based on studies in several areas, it wouldn’t be good news.

You may think that you aren’t contributing to the shark problem, but consider this list of items that contain shark parts. Supplements to diets and even some energy drinks may contain shark oils or cartilage; Shark fin soup and dumplings; Cosmetics, lotions, sunscreens, lip balms, and more beauty items containing squalene or squalene (other names for shark liver oil); Shark steaks , fish and chips, or white fish fillets may contain shark; Shagreen is the name of the skin of the shark and can be found in wallets, purses, shoes, and other leather products; Shark souvenirs that are not fossils such as teeth, jaws, or skin; Pet products like food, treats, and supplements; Imitation fish often contains shark. Whether knowingly or not, you may have purchased products from a company that is using shark materials.

You can help. The Shark Angels are only one group. There are many more. Shark Angels will welcome your help. Encourage and educate others of the perils of shark extinction, donate to help advocate for positive media campaigns, purchase Shark Angels products or even adopt a shark! You will receive a stuffed shark puppet with certificate of adoption, a photo and facts about your shark, and more. Your name will appear on the website and you can name your shark.

However you choose to help, whether via donation or by spreading education, it is appreciated by those who care about sharks and maintaining our marine ecosystem.