The coastal areas of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama are home to some of the most spectacular shark populations found anywhere in the world.

But the relentless demand for shark fin soup is pushing many species to the brink of extinction.

Protecting sharks is critical to preserving the ocean’s fragile ecosystem, and a healthy ocean is necessary to sustain life on Earth for future generations.

Today CI is undertaking an extensive shark tagging program so scientists can understand more about where sharks live and how they travel.

Our goal is to provide decision-makers with solid science about sharks – which will help focus conservation plans, policy, and resources in order to maximize efforts to keep sharks safe.

With a better understanding about what needs to be done, and how to better care for sharks, governments will be able to develop conservation policies that change behaviors and protect these species.

We must take every opportunity possible to protect our oceans’ ecosystems, as they support all life on Earth. Oceans provide food, absorb climate-change causing carbon dioxide, and regulate weather patterns around the globe.

Learn more about how the oceans affect each one of us – and how CI is taking action to protect our waters.

Watch our Shark Tagging Video: