Shark conservation in Spain is experiencing a surge in activity. Several scientific and outreach initiatives are focusing on protecting these marine predators, which are essential for maintaining the balance of the oceans. From the Canary Islands to the Balearic Islands, and including the Cantabrian Sea, reintroduction projects, film festivals, and awareness campaigns are working to reverse the negative image and threats they face.
International Shark Day, celebrated every July 14th, serves as a reminder that more than 100 million sharks die each year due to overfishing, the accidental capture of sharks and rays , and the trade in fins. In this context, Spain ranks as the world's second-largest exporter of shark fins, a fact that underscores the urgent need for action. Fortunately, the work of associations, research centers, and aquariums is bearing fruit.
The International Ocean Film Tour lands in Fuerteventura with a Canarian project
Next Sunday, July 12th, the Corralejo Municipal Auditorium in La Oliva (Fuerteventura) will host one of the stops on the International Ocean Film Tour, considered the most important ocean film festival in Europe. The event will include the participation of marine scientist Maite Asensio Elvira , representative of the Canary Islands-based association Latitud Azul. During her presentation, she will introduce the European project 'Conservation Strategies for Sharks and Rays in the Canary Islands', an initiative supported by the BestLife2030 program.
In the Canary Islands, 78 species of sharks and rays have been identified, of which approximately 45% are threatened and nearly 20% have significant gaps in scientific information. The project is working to compile data on biology, distribution, ecology, and threats , as well as to develop a vulnerability map, even analyzing metal levels in Canary Island sharks . It also envisions collaboration with the fishing industry, marine tourism companies, and public administrations to design an effective conservation strategy.
The festival, which features five international documentaries selected from thousands of submissions, will also offer prize draws for attendees, including a trip to Lanzarote and scuba diving courses. It is organized by Kinema Producciones , which maintains partnerships with organizations such as Sea Shepherd Global and the Surfrider Foundation.
The Balearic Islands reintroduce 389 specimens of the Balearic snipe, an endangered species
The marine conservation program 'Small Sharks – Stellaris Action' has concluded with a very positive outcome. A total of 389 small sharks have been reintroduced into the sea in various protected areas of the Balearic Islands, such as the Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park, the Toro and Palma Bay marine reserves, the Sa Dragonera Natural Park, and the Sóller area. The species is listed as endangered in the Red Book of Vertebrates of the Balearic Islands.
The initiative, launched in 2018, has been a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment, the Palma Aquarium Foundation, Mallorca Preservation, PIM Initiative, Save the Med, Shark Med, and the Marilles Foundation. Minister Joan Simonet described the project as a "success" and indicated that the knowledge gained will be incorporated into the Balearic Islands' shark and ray conservation plan.
The Bioparc Aquarium of Gijón is committed to the reintroduction of the small-spotted catshark and environmental education
In northern Spain, the Bioparc Aquarium in Gijón also contributes to shark conservation. The center participates in the reintroduction of small-spotted catsharks into the Cantabrian Sea , a species that, although not critically endangered, suffers from fishing pressure. In addition, the aquarium houses species such as the bull shark, zebra shark, bamboo shark, smooth-hound, and rays, and carries out extensive educational work.
To mark International Shark Day, Bioparc has organized the guided tour 'Sharks: Debunking Myths,' where visitors can learn about shark biology up close, observe their teeth and skin, and understand why caring for sharks means protecting the health of the oceans. Workshops such as 'Shark Superpowers' and educational programs round out the offerings, which aim to replace fear with respect and empathy for these animals.
Bioparc's work is part of a comprehensive biodiversity protection model, with participation in around one hundred European programs for the conservation of marine species in Spain . The Bioparc Foundation also works in the fauna's native habitats , combining ex situ and in situ action to guarantee the survival of species such as sharks.
In short, shark conservation in Spain is progressing thanks to collaboration between institutions, scientists, fishermen, and citizens. Projects like those in the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, and Gijón demonstrate that it is possible to reverse the trend and that protecting these apex predators is key to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. The International Ocean Film Tour, with its stop in Fuerteventura, serves as a platform to raise public awareness about the urgent need for action.
