Sharks are crucial to marine ecosystems. They maintain a balance in populations of prey species and keep the ocean healthy by removing ill or diseased animals. They are an important resource supporting local economies through fishing and as an attraction to dive tourists.

A study of reefs in the Northwestern Hawaii Islands found that apex predators, including sharks, comprise over half of the fish biomass compared to less than 10% on reefs that are fished. On the unaltered reefs the sharks are bigger and populations of all species are far greater. Additionally the unaltered reefs are home to a larger variety of other species than regularly fished reefs.

Today, sharks are in a global decline. Overfishing has reduced many shark populations around the world to levels that threaten their continued existence. Shark numbers have fallen by more than 80% in many cases, and the continued existence of some species is at immediate risk in some regions. European sharks are particularly in danger with about one third of the species threatened with extinction.

PADI members have started a new program to raise awareness of this issue called Project AWARE. Down Under Dive Club (DUDC) is supportive of this effort. You will see a new badge placed on the left column of the web site to show this support. Additionally, DUDC encourages members to sign a petition to show support for shark conservation.