What can you do to help Elasmobranchs?
Buy sustainable seafood
Sustainable seafood is seafood that is either caught or farmed in ways that consider the long-term vitality of harvested species and the well-being of the oceans. Pledge to buy seafood that’s certified as being sustainable, guarantying no Elasmobranchs were harmed through bycatch, and use shops and restaurants that carry certified fish. Use a sustainable seafood guide when selecting seafood. Check out the Marine Stewardship Councils website for a list or look out for MSC certified products in your local supermarket.
Be wise when shopping
Never buy Elasmobranch products, such as shark teeth/jaws, shark fin soup, ray meat, shark cartilage supplements, or shark skin products.
Support ecotourism
Book a sustainable tour to sharks, particularly when it benefits local communities and contributes to the protection of elasmobranchs and their habitat.
Support elasmobranch organisations
Volunteer with, donate to or even just follow one of the many charities out there. See our useful links for recommendations
Get involved in research
Check out our Citizen Science page to see how you can help carry out much needed research into Irish Elasmobranch species and how you can do your bit for the Marine environment.
What can you do to help the Marine environment?
Reduce your energy use
Climate change is linked to rising sea levels and ocean acidification. Help prevent dramatic climate change by energy-proofing your home i.e. insulating properly, keeping your heating and cooling system maintained, and switching to energy efficient light bulbs. leave the car at home when you can, take the stairs instead of an elevator and layer up instead of turning on the heating.
Use Fewer Plastic Products
Plastic contributes to habitat destruction and entangle and kill tens of thousands of marine don’t use single use items such as straws, bring reusable bag when shopping and recycle whenever possible.
Help Take Care of the Beach
Always clean up after yourself when on the beach. Don’t dispose of rubbish in the sea. Participate in beach clean-ups if you live in a coastal area.
Use Fewer Chemicals in your Garden and Home
Chemicals such as pesticides and household cleaners can find their way into water sources and eventually into the sea. Purchase organic when possible and limit your personal and household use of chemicals.
Lobby governments
Put pressure on local politicians, governments and regulatory bodies to tighten regulations on industrial, agricultural and domestic pollution.
Support environmentally conscious companies
When shopping, try to buy produces from businesses with a strong ethos in sustainability.
Educate others
Talk to your family, friends, classmates and workmates about why it is important to protect our seas.
Angel Sharks 