Sharks as the apex predators of the oceans fascinate people! They are critical to the oceans well-being and functioning but severe over-exploitation for their fins has led to a depletion of their numbers, with several species being critically endangered.
Fortunately, long-term and focused awareness is reducing the slaughter of the sharks and there is now a growing global recognition of their role and importance in the eco-system. Shark eco-tourism is a rapidly growing industry and sharks are now definately worth far more alive than dead.
1 of 12: A Great White Shark swims behind back-line in the De Hoop Marine Protected Area, Western Cape, South Africa
2 of 12: Breaching Great White Shark, Dyer Island, Western Cape, South Africa
3 of 12: Smooth Hound Shark caught by line fisher and abandoned on the beach, De Mond Nature Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa
4 of 12: Tiger Shark at the Dubai Fish Market, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
5 of 12: A diversity of shark species hauled ashore at the Dubai Fish Market, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
6 of 12: Red Roman and Smooth Hound Shark catch, Struisbaai Harbour, Struisbaai, Western Cape, South Africa
7 of 12: Shark meat for sale at the Dubai Fish Market, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
8 of 12: Researchers filming a Great White Shark as it swims past the boat, False Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
9 of 12: A child watches a Ragged Tooth Shark in an aquarium, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
10 of 12: International tourists watching a Great White Shark swimming past their boat, Gansbaai, Western Cape, South Africa
11 of 12: Bull Rays swimming and feeding in the shallow waters of Langebaan Lagoon, West Coast National Park, Western Cape, South Africa
12 of 12: Shark Spotter Safety Flag, Muizenberg Beach, False Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Visit African Conservation Photography for a full gallery of Shark images