Sharks represent one of nature’s most successful creations. They have roamed our oceans for over 400 million years and survived various extinction events to evolve into predators that are perfectly adapted to the marine environment.

The over 1,000 extant species of sharks and related rays, skates, guitarfishes and sawfishes (the group of cartilaginous fish collectively known as elasmobranches) present an incredible range in body shape and size, living in every marine environment from warm coastal coral reefs to the cold dark depths of the oceans. European waters are home to nearly 140 elasmobranch species.

Oceana works towards achieving balanced ecosystems, in which sharks can play their role as apex predator that help maintain this balance.

Let´s hope these pictures will not be the only way the next generation can see these beautiful – and vital! – species in their natural environment.