Our goal is to transform science and research into tangible actions that help sharks survive, not only in Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego provinces (where this project is based) but across the nation. Initially, the team will conduct underwater surveys to gather knowledge about these species’ presence and distribution along the province's coastline. We will also deploy satellite tags to track their movements and understand their distribution better. This data will be crucial for identifying areas with high fishing activity and comparing this mapping with previous data to pinpoint their threats. Based on these findings, we will develop a dedicated conservation project and plan tailored to protect Patagonian sharks.
Towards the conservation of sharks in Argentina
Top predators play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems by controlling prey species populations and recycling nutrients. Yet, they are among the most threatened vertebrate groups worldwide. This is also true for Argentina, where certain species face population declines as high as 70-80%. A 2022 report states that 57% of chondrichthyan species assessed in the Patagonian Sea are threatened with extinction, most of which are endemic to the region. Hence, if they disappear from Patagonia, they will become extinct globally.
The Patagonian Sea hosts a diverse array of shark species, including the tope shark and the broadnose sevengill shark. However, in the Argentine Sea, sharks face various threats due to a lack of information, human activity, and the absence of public policies supporting their conservation. Their slow reproduction and growth rates exacerbate these threats. Beyond their intrinsic value, the disappearance of sharks also endangers marine ecosystems. Large sharks, for instance, have no substitute in their ecological role.
Our mission is to conserve two IUCN-endangered species of sharks through the implementation of conservation programs, the creation of sanctuaries, changes in fishing and public policies, and shifting the perception of these species within coastal communities.
01 Science and Conservation
02 Policy and Advocacy
Our policy team is conducting a comprehensive survey of fishing industry policies and regulations that currently pose the greatest threat to sharks in Argentina. This analysis, combined with scientific data and local insights, will help us work on the necessary regulatory changes to address the root causes of these threats. With the backing of the local community, we will collaborate to pursue legislative changes to protect these species in the Patagonian Sea.
03 Local Stewardship
Our team will work to foster a positive relationship between people and sharks. We aim to initiate tagging programs with local fishermen to gather data and, most importantly, engage them in the need to protect these species. By mapping potential spokespersons within the region, we will identify local allies to expand our reach among the local community, organizations, and government. Additionally, we will develop talks and workshops to build an informed community that is willing to advocate for shark protection.
04 Communication and Activism
Over the coming years, we will work to alter public perception of sharks among a wider audience by implementing effective communication strategies. We will capture attention with captivating imagery, footage, and narratives to tell their story and share essential information and scientific data across various channels. From social media to press, radio, and TV, we will spark conversations about these invital marine species and garner public support for the necessary conservation programs and policy changes to ensure their survival.
Milestones
01
Executing the first research campaign
Our team implemented remotely controlled cameras combined with baits (BRUVS), in the kelp forests of Puerto Deseado, Santa Cruz. Two shark species were identified: Cazón and Gatopardo. Their relationship with kelp forests is still under study.
02
Surveying fishermen
We surveyed fishermen in San Julián and Puerto Deseado to gather complementary information about shark species in the area. This helped us understand where and when they are most fished and which species predominate.
03
During 2024, we conducted four seasonal campaigns with BRUVS and local fishers
We conducted 4 seasonal campaigns, deploying underwater video stations (BRUVs) to confirm shark presence and distribution in Puerto Deseado, Santa Cruz. We also interviewed local sport fishers to gather data on species, fishing hotspots, peak seasons, and potential changes in population dynamics.
04
For the first time in Argentina, in collaboration with Stanford University's Tag A Giant team and Proyecto Arrecife, we tagged sevengill sharks with satellite tags
In partnership with Stanford University, we launched a satellite tracking program to monitor shark movements. Eight tags were deployed in February 2025, allowing us to obtain data on the geographical location, depth, and water temperature in which they move, to identify key breeding and spawning grounds, helping to inform future protection efforts.