Elasmobranchs (sharks, rays and skates) are at risk worldwide because they are over-targeted in fishing, either as intended catch or as by-catch. Sharks are often caught for their fins for shark fin soup. So-called ‘shark finning’ is the gruesome act of cutting the fins off of a shark while often be alive during the ordeal. The valuable fins are sold and the animal is often discarded like trash, dying a slow death. These fins don’t really add to the taste of the soup, it is merely a status symbol in China and a few other countries. Yearly 70-100 million sharks are caught.
Some ray species, such as the endangered manta ray, are targeted for their gills. In China the gills are used for medicine (also total baloney). Just like shark finning, the fishers only target one small part of the animal, not the meat of the ray. Just like sharks, rays and skates are overfished, either as targeted catch or bycatch. As a result most of the 1100+ elasmobranch species have dramatically declined in numbers, in some cases even with 70-90%.
In 2026 we developed an education&awareness program for fishers in Kenya. This program is executed by 5 partner NGOs along the Kenyan coast since mid 2023. The 2026 program was developed after our first engagements with fishers and schools in 2024 and 2025. You can find our school program here: education&awareness children. In Lombok (Indonesia) we collaborate with Indonesia Biru Foundation in elasmobranch conservation; the Indonesian education material is being developed as we speak.
Education is vital to protecting these critical species. Coral Reef Care implements diverse strategies to reduce elasmobranch fishing. Key initiatives include developing sustainable alternative livelihoods — such as permaculture and ecotourism — and establishing local marine conservation projects that create jobs. Additionally, our program aims to identify elasmobranch nursery grounds, research alternative fishing gear, and advise local decision-makers.
