Shark Friendly Communities: Shark Safe®
Shark Safe® is COARE's sustainable business certification, aimed at increasing public awareness of the need for shark conservation, and reducing the sale, use, and trade of shark products.
Born in 2007 out of a need to educate consumers and businesses about shark finning and effects of shark fin soup consumption, Shark Safe® certification is designed to give discerning customers confidence that their choices help protect shark populations.
The Shark Safe® certification program uses an easily recognizable logo to identify restaurants and select businesses that distinguish themselves through their dedication to shark conservation. Whether you're looking for a restaurant to patronize, seeking certification for your business, or just curious about shark conservation, check out SharkSafe.org for full details on the program.
What you can do to help
- Visit the Shark Safe® website to certify your business
- Look for the SharkSafe® logo, and support sustainable businesses to let them know that you appreciate their efforts.
- If you eat seafood, make selections that are sustainably fished or raised. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program has a convenient app and regional pocket guides to help you make decisions on the go.
- Avoid food that comes from endangered species, like shark fin or turtle soup, and do not patronize restaurants that serve it.
- Avoid pharmaceutical or pet products (e.g., glucosamine tablets) that contain shark cartilage or oils.