The blacktip shark is a widespread, medium-sized shark characterized by its black-tipped pectoral, dorsal and tail fins that give this species its name. Blacktip sharks have black tips on all their fins except for the anal fin, which is white. It is often mistaken for the spinner shark because both species have torpedo-shaped bodies and … Read more
The sand tiger shark, also known as the gray nurse shark, is a slow-moving coastal predator distinguished by its flattened, conical snout and spiked, protruding teeth similar to the tiger shark. It has small eyes and light brown skin that resembles sand, helping the shark blend into its surroundings when looked at from above. The … Read more
The longfin mako shark is named for its particularly long pectoral fins that are as long as or longer than its head (or 23 to 31 percent of its total body length). Like its close relative the shortfin mako shark, the longfin mako shark is characterized by its large eyes and long, blade-like teeth that … Read more
The porbeagle shark is a wide-ranging shark that’s recognized by its conical snout, white underbelly and dark gray top. Scholars have proposed that the porbeagle shark’s name originates from the combination of “porpoise” and “beagle” – referencing the shark’s rounded body and dogged hunting methods. Porbeagle sharks are very active and have muscular bodies, giving … Read more
The great hammerhead shark is the largest of all nine hammerhead species, reaching an average length of 13.1 feet (4 m) and weight of 500 pounds (230 kg). The longest great hammerhead shark ever recorded was 20 feet (6.1 m) long, and the heaviest great hammerhead shark ever recorded was 991 pounds (450 kg). The … Read more
The smooth hammerhead shark is one of nine species of hammerhead sharks. It is distinguished from other hammerheads by its rounded head (cephalofoil) that’s free of notches seen on other species, such as the scalloped hammerhead shark and the great hammerhead shark. These rounded heads give smooth hammerhead sharks superior depth perception and a 360-degree … Read more
A federal judge ruled that the federal government has to do more to reduce the killing of dusky sharks as a result of bycatch – the capture of non-target fish and ocean wildlife. The ruling, in response to an Oceana lawsuit in which we were represented by Earthjustice, found that the government failed to use … Read more
This week, a federal judge ruled against the Trump administration for violating federal law by failing to use all available scientific evidence to end the overfishing of dusky sharks in U.S. waters. The ruling, in response to an Oceana lawsuit filed by Earthjustice, requires the federal government to do more to end the rampant overfishing that has … Read more
Sharks, rays and chimaeras are some of the most threatened fish in the world. More than 50 percent of species in the Arabian Sea are at elevated risk of extinction due to coastal development, overfishing, pollution and habitat destruction. According to an expansive new study, spanning more than a dozen countries, species like sawfish are … Read more
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We have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done.