To turn the tide on the rapidly declining shark and ray populations, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography has teamed up with the SAFE Sharks and Rays program. Their partnership aims to halt the extinction of the over 1,200 shark and ray species with hard-hitting education, communication, and research. According to Birch Aquarium's latest news release, their collaboration encompasses data contribution to research projects, participation in science-based communications, and engagement in fundraising efforts.

Jenn Nero, Senior Director of Animal Care, Science, and Conservation at Birch, explained the significance of this partnership: "Our partnership with SAFE Sharks and Rays enhances the work we do with our sharks and rays at Birch Aquarium". She further elaborated, "Contributing to this collaboration with the SAFE Sharks and Rays program promotes vital conservation needs in an often misunderstood group of animals that are critical to our ecosystems", according to Birch Aquarium.

A key initiative under this partnership is the AZA SAFE Elasmobranch Blood Project, which zeroes in on four particular shark species, including the Brownbanded Bamboo Shark housed at Birch Aquarium. Collections from this and other species provide essential data that contributes to understanding their health and informs care and future conservation initiatives.

Furthermore, Birch Aquarium is also involved in the Chondro Census, an ambitious project tracking sharks and rays in human care globally. This project helps paint a comprehensive picture of these animals beyond the confines of aquarium walls. The data collected is pivotal not only for aquarium-based care but also for the conservation of these species in their natural habitats. According to Birch Aquarium, they are the sole organization within the SAFE partnership housing the elusive Pacific Angel Sharks.

The aquarium's Shark Summer event is the latest addition to their suite of conservation initiatives. The event is designed to shed light on sharks and rays' crucial roles in marine ecosystems and rally support for their global protection. Following the event, Birch Aquarium directed the proceeds from donation boxes in the aquarium's Galleria and guest contributions directly to the SAFE program, which totaled nearly $600 this year. In another move to protect sharks, Birch Aquarium joined other AZA organizations in signing a letter supporting NOAA's proposal to enforce protective regulations for the Oceanic Whitetip Shark, an IUCN-listed Critically Endangered species.