Participation of CRETAquarium in White tip project!

Participation of CRETAquarium in White tip project!

CRETAquarium, along with other European Aquariums, is participating in the Oceanic Whitetip Project, an initiative that aims to inform and raise public awareness about the study and protection of the oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus). The goal of this participation is to enhance environmental awareness and promote scientific knowledge for the benefit of marine biodiversity.

Below you will find the attached announcement from the collaborating Aquariums

Project Oceanic Whitetip Launch Press Release

Embargoed until 00.00 16th May 2025

European Aquariums Unite for Oceanic Sharks

The European Union of Aquariums Curators and the Shark Trust team-up to secure decisive action for the iconic Oceanic Whitetip Shark!

16th May 2025, Madrid. Oceanic Whitetip Sharks were once one of the most abundant sharks in the ocean. Decades of overfishing resulted in marked population declines, with Oceanic Whitetips now listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This Endangered Species Day sees the launch of a new campaign - Project Oceanic Whitetip - harnessing the collective power of hundreds of thousands of Aquarium visitors across Europe under the banner of Action for Oceanics.

Prized for the very fins they are named for, Oceanic Whitetip Shark populations have reduced by more than 80% in some areas. In response, and as a result of advocacy activities, multiple conservation commitments, including fishing bans and trade restrictions have been adopted by governments across the global ocean.

Yet despite this, Oceanic Whitetips remain under pressure. They continue to fall victim as bycatch in high seas fisheries, are vulnerable to damaging exemptions, and subject to illegal trade. So great is the continued threat, that Oceanic Whitetips have been proposed by Panama for uplisting to Appendix I at the Conference of Parties for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) later this year. A move which would ban international trade in the species altogether. But this alone is not enough.

“Oceanic Whitetips are an iconic ambassador for sharks, but sadly typify the challenges faced by oceanic sharks and rays,” said Ali Hood, Director of Conservation at the Shark Trust. “Their further decline proves protection on paper is simply not enough – it’s essential that governments honour their commitments. It will take International collaboration and concerted action to address overfishing. We can start by leveraging existing management obligations to reduce pressure on these threatened species”.

Galvanised by concern for oceanic sharks and the Oceanic Whitetip in particular, the European Union of Aquarium Curators (EUAC) and the Shark Trust are launching Project Oceanic Whitetip .

“EUAC is proud to partner in this campaign,” said Katy Duke, Treasurer of EUAC. “With 14 Aquarium partners across Europe, we provide an interface for the public and wildlife - like sharks - and a platform from which to promote species in the wider ocean. Launching Project Oceanic Whitetip this Endangered Species Day allows us to galvanise public concern into policy pressure, to call on the European Commission to stand by their commitments and lead the way”.

“As Aquariums we present a snapshot of life underwater. Project Oceanic Whitetip brings the plight of species beyond our collections to our visitors,” said Attila Varga, Zoologist and Curator of Aquarium-Terrarium, Sosto Zoo /Nyíregyházi Állatpark Nonprofit Kft. “We’re excited to be a campaign partner, to see our venue and visitors be part of the future for this incredible species!”

What’s next? Over the next six months Aquariums partners across Europe will harness the support of concerned citizens and visitors alike. Petitioning Member States and the European Commission to take action for oceanics – to take a stand and safeguard the future for this majestic ocean wanderer.

Press contact: Lauren Florisson info@euac.org