Sharks are some of the ocean’s most iconic and ecologically vital predators—but they’re facing serious threats from overfishing, bycatch, habitat loss, and a lack of adequate scientific research and management.
Alarmingly, 54% of the 66 shark species in U.S. waters have an “unknown” status, meaning we don’t even know if their population is at a healthy level or being overfished. Stronger, science-based management is essential, and your voice can help make that happen.
The Secretary of Commerce oversees the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) — the agency responsible for shark conservation and fisheries management.
Tell Secretary Howard Lutnick to strengthen protections for sharks and invest in the science needed for their sustainable management. Stronger protections for sharks mean healthier oceans, more resilient fisheries, and thriving marine ecosystems.
petition letter
Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick
Sharks are some of the ocean’s most iconic and ecologically important predators. They are essential for keeping marine ecosystems healthy and balanced—a benefit that extends to marine life and coastal economies, including fisheries. But science also shows sharks are in serious trouble. Since 1970, global shark and ray populations have declined by half due to overfishing, and nearly one-third of species are now threatened with extinction.
Sharks play a very important role in keeping our oceans in balance. They feed on old and sick fish, helping to keep the overall population healthy. Sharks have a positive impact for fishers by keeping the oceans stable and plentiful with healthy fish to catch. Without them, entire marine ecosystems, and the people whose lives depend on them, will suffer. To have healthy oceans, we need sharks.
In U.S. waters, sharks face mounting threats from overfishing, bycatch, habitat loss, and a lack of adequate scientific oversight. Without stronger protections and better data, we risk losing these essential species and the balance they bring to our oceans.
That’s why I’m standing with Oceana to urge you to prioritize shark conservation by investing in research and committing to science-based, sustainable management. NOAA must ensure all catch is properly monitored and counted, that catch limits are scientifically set and strictly enforced, and that updated population data is collected—especially for the more than half of U.S. shark stocks with an “unknown” status.
As Secretary of Commerce, your leadership can help secure a future for sharks and the marine environments they support.
Please protect sharks and the oceans they help sustain. These apex predators, and the people and coastal economies that depend on healthy oceans, are depending on you.
Sincerely,
{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}