Global FinPrint

Paul knew what was needed: clear information that documented where sharks were in trouble, where they were doing well, and where taking action would have the greatest impact. So, right after he provided similar, critical data by undertaking the Great Elephant Census (which surveyed Africa’s elephant populations), Paul threw his support behind the Global FinPrint initiative. “I’ve seen the impact of the [Great Elephant Census], now I’m supporting Global FinPrint to help save sharks,” he tweeted to announce his support of the world’s first-ever global census of reef sharks.
 

Global FinPrint launched in the summer of 2015, surveyed nearly 400 reefs, and collected more than 15,000 hours of footage in 58 countries. Sadly, it revealed sharks were functionally extinct from many of the world’s coral reefs. But while Global FinPrint’s study uncovered an alarming global loss of reef sharks, it showed signs of hope, too, by identifying several countries where shark conservation was working. It also proved specific actions in some regions were making a positive difference — actions like restricting certain types of fishing gear, setting catch limits, and enacting national-scale bans on catches and trade. 

The findings also provided scientists, fishery managers, policy- and decision-makers with a benchmark status of reef sharks that has guided meaningful, long-term conservation plans for sharks. Thanks to Paul’s support, the project revealed data that’s been used to create new sanctuaries in Belize and that’s guided international protections to help sharks recover — exactly the kind of impact he hoped the project would have. You can explore the Global FinPrint survey results here.