Nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) are globally classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as “Data Deficient”, with an unknown population trend, and thus, more research on their population size, distribution and trends, ecology, and threats is needed. Though they can grow up to 14 feet in length, they are slow moving bottom-dwellers, inhabiting the warm, shallow waters of the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans. Nurse sharks are particularly vulnerable to coastal fisheries and indirect coastal impacts from human activities, particularly in reef areas which constitute its main habitat. Multiple research methods have shown that some species of sharks have declined in population by 90% or more during the last several decades in areas where they were formerly abundant. These declines are due to direct targeting in commercial fisheries, mostly for their fins and sometimes meat. Additionally, sharks are often caught unintentionally as bycatch in many other fisheries, caught and killed in some recreational fisheries (unlike catch and release), and may also be impacted by humans more indirectly through threats like habitat loss, pollution, and human-driven declines in the fish species sharks rely on for food.

Raising awareness is important, but it’s not enough! We all need to take action to help turn the tide. We worked with our science partners to create subject specific post cards that explain the top beneficial actions you can take on behalf of the species or ecosystem you’re supporting with your purchase. Shipped with every order, these cards are informative, beautiful and ready for a stamp so you can share it with a friend. 

Our team of salty science communicators hit the library and dug up everything you need to know about the species or ecosystem you’re supporting with your purchase. From past history and current status to future conservation challenges and specific ways you can get more involved, each series takes a deep dive into the causes we support so you can stay informed.

Each series consists of around 8 parts, emailed to you each week after your order is delivered.  And fear not, you can unsubscribe at any time, but we promise you won’t want to ;-) 

5% of sales from your purchase are donated to high-impact research and education organizations that are experts in their specific fields. We encourage you to learn more about these amazing organizations here. Purchases from this collection donate to the Shark Research and Conservation Program at the University of Miami.