There is finally some hopeful news for one of the ocean's most endangered sharks. Critically endangered scalloped hammerhead sharks are still thriving in part of the Galapagos, where decades of protections have allowed huge numbers to gather and survive. In some areas, so many sharks swim together they can temporarily block out the sunlight.
But the moment many of these sharks leave protected waters, they face deadly danger.
Sign the petition to expand protections for scalloped hammerhead sharks along the migration routes and birthing areas they depend on to survive.
Scientists tracking these rare sharks discovered something remarkable: most pregnant female hammerheads leave the Galapagos and swim hundreds of miles to Panama to give birth in sheltered mangrove waters.
But once they leave protected reserves, they face fishing nets, longlines, and industrial fleets operating in gaps between protected areas. Even worse, baby hammerheads and pregnant females are reportedly still being caught near the very nurseries they rely on to reproduce. This doesn't have to happen.
We finally know where these endangered sharks go to give birth. That knowledge should be used to save them. Researchers and conservationists say stronger protections around Panama's shark nurseries – including expanded marine protections, seasonal fishing restrictions, and stronger safeguards for pregnant females and baby sharks – could make a major difference.
The Galapagos showed the world what protection can achieve. Now it is time to protect these sharks for the rest of their journey.
Sign the petition now to urge governments to expand protections for scalloped hammerhead sharks and safeguard the birthing habitats they need to survive.
