Every autumn, one of the world’s largest concentrations of white sharks migrates to the Gulf of the Farallones to feed. These white sharks depend on the rich waters within the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, and as apex predators play a critical role in maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
While white sharks are protected in California waters, the unintentional catch of sharks in the commercial fishing industry (long-line, purse seine, gillnets and mid-water trawl fisheries) threaten sharks. Most sharks are slow to reach reproductive maturity and produce only a small number of young each year, making them highly susceptible to the threats of fishing and other human activities. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 32% of pelagic sharks are threatened with extinction.
A partnership of the Greater Farallones Association and Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, the White Shark Stewardship program educates the public about white sharks, helps conserve them, and fosters active stewardship. Examples of program projects include:
