Sharks have survived for more than 400 million years, but now, many species are dwindling in numbers. In this episode of Barking Mad, Jordan Tyler sit down with conservation experts from the Shark Trust, AZA SAFE Shark & Ray Program, Aquarium Conservation Partnership, and Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch to set the record straight on one of the ocean’s most misunderstood animals.

Jordan explores explore why shark populations are declining, how sustainable fisheries can support both conservation and global food systems, and why seafood traceability has become increasingly important, specifically when it comes to your pet’s bowl. Jordan also dives into ways pet owners can support healthier oceans through informed seafood choices and everyday actions that help protect sharks and rays for generations to come.

Show Notes

🔷 Learn more about each of the organizations mentioned in today’s episode:

• The Shark Trust: https://www.sharktrust.org/
• Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) SAFE Shark and Ray: https://www.safesharks.org/
• Aquarium Conservation Partnership: https://www.aquariumconservation.org/
• Seafood Watch: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/

🧪 Find out more about shark meat found in pet food: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.836941/full

🪝 Learn more about the partnership between SAFE Shark and Ray, The Shark Trust, ACP, and Seafood Watch to identify more sustainable sources of seafood to feed animals in human care: https://www.aza.org/connect-stories/stories/sustainable-procurement-of-feed-sources

🗳️ Cast your Vote for the Ocean! https://votefortheocean.org/

🦈 Get involved in Shark and Ray Awareness Month with these resources!

• Check out The Shark Trust’s “Creature Feature” series, which educates about the incredible shark and ray species we’re working hard to save! https://www.sharktrust.org/Blogs/creature-feature
• Use resources by Seafood Watch to find sustainable seafood options: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals-the-ocean/how-to-choose-sustainable-seafood/seafood-guides
• Read more about the Seafood Watch Best Choice Restaurant Program: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/stories/best-choice-restaurant-program
• Learn more about other organizations that collaborate with Seafood Watch to safeguard our ocean ecosystems and keep fish on the menu: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/collaborations/conservation-partners/map

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – The Truth About Sharks
• 08:35 – The Global Shark Conservation Crisis
• 12:00 – The Problem of Overfishing
• 16:45 – Is There a Shark in Your Pet Food?
• 21:25 – Putting Seafood on Watch
• 28:00 – How You Can Save the Sharks
• 33:30 – Closing Thoughts & We’ll See You Next Time!