Sharks & Rays - Oceana

Marine Life Encyclopedia

Sharks & Rays

Sharks have played a vital role in maintaining healthy oceans for hundreds of millions of years as a top predator. More than 450 species of sharks cruise the world’s oceans, ranging in size from 8 inches to a whopping 40 feet long. But today, nearly one in four sharks and their relatives are threatened with extinction. A major cause is the demand for shark fins. Every year, fins from as many as 73 million sharks end up in the global fin trade.

Learn fun facts and how you can help your favorite sharks - from great white sharks to hammerhead sharks - by clicking a species below.