Shark Trust

Shark Trust is a charitable organization founded in the UK in 1997 [cite web|url=http://www.sharktrust.org/view_folder.asp?folderid=6173&depth=2&rootid=6159&level2id=6173&level1=&toptab=1 |title=Who we are | publisher=Shark Trust |accessdate=2006-09-22] "dedicated to promoting the study, management, and conservation of sharks,
skates and rays (Elasmobranchs) in the UK and internationally." [cite web|url=http://www.sharktrust.org/do_download.asp?did=26342| title=Shark Trust in Brief |publisher=Shark Trust |accessdate=2006-12-29] .

As support for the importance of shark conservation, the Trust cites findings that the populations of some shark species have been reduced to 2% of their original levels. The Trust operates scientific research and education programmes, and works with divers, politicians, boat owners, and commercial and recreational fishers as well as the general public. It has produced codes of conduct for approaching basking sharks and whale sharks [cite web|url=http://www.sharktrust.org/prospectus.asp?siteid=6 |title=Whale Shark Project |publisher=Shark Trust| accessdate=2006-09-22] safely and responsibly. It campaigns for legislative protection of vulnerable shark species and for tighter legislation restricting shark finning.

To raise funds, the Shark Trust holds events throughout the year, including eggcase hunts at which participants search the coastline for shark eggcases. It also allows members to "adopt" specific sharks.

References

ee also

*Shark Alliance

External links

* [http://www.sharktrust.org Shark Trust website]
* [http://www.whalesharkproject.org Whale Shark Project website]
* [http://www.baskingsharks.org Basking Shark Project website]