There are currently no real conservation projects running on the Broadnose Seven Gill Cow Shark sharks.

However some dive centres and other conservation organizations have given some positive input. In late 2008 eco-tourists were horrified by the site of commercial fishermen offloading sharks carcasses on to pick-ups less than 50 metres away. Read more...

The biggest known concentration of these animals in South Africa is in False Bay, where they are in a Marine Protected Area.

The species is subject to fishing pressures in several areas within its range. In California and in Australia it is the target for sport fishing and commercial fishing: the flesh of this species is sold for human consumption in these areas. In China, this shark is also caught for its skin, which is used for leather, and its liver oil which is used as a source of Vitamin A.

During the 1930s and 1940s, the Broadnose seven gill cow shark was quite common in the shark fisheries along the coast of California. Although the commercial fishery soon collapsed, recreational shark fishing for this species became popular. However, this fishery declined in the late 1980s and 1990s with recreational fishers targeting other species. Today the Broadnose seven gill cow shark is caught primarily by anglers as well as incidental by catch in commercial fisheries targeting other species.

Currently, the California population of Broadnose Seven Gill Cow Sharks appears to be concentrated in the Humboldt and San Francisco Bays. The South African population seems to congregate mostly in False Bay and West Coast areas. These areas provide nursery areas and safe havens for juveniles. The future of the Broadnose Seven Gill Cow Shark is highly dependent upon the conservation of these habitats.

Although this shark has a wide range, it is subject to intense fishing pressure as a result of being restricted to inshore waters. Currently the World Conservation Union (IUCN) lists the Broadnose Seven gill cow shark as "Data Deficient". Data is lacking in most regions, making it difficult to determine the overall status of this species. However, it is currently assessed as "Near Threatened" in the eastern Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

The seven gill cow shark has only been responsible for five documented unprovoked attacks on humans since the 16th century and does not pose any real threats to humans.

After an application for complete protection on this species was submitted, MCM (Marine and Coastal Management) has decided to do some studies on the impact of commercial fishing on these sharks.

As with white sharks there are only two ways to get protection for these animals, the first being education and the second Eco-Tourism.

Dr. Dave Ebert and Dr. Leonard Compagno have done various talks on these sharks at the False Bay Underwater Club, giving people a better understanding and history of these animals.

What we do:

• Promote Eco-Tourism and Educational talks on these animals.
• Support Marine and Coastal Management on any studies or research.
• Documentary Movies.

What you can do:

• Support the Eco-Tourism Trade and dive with these animals.
• Join Educational Talks.
• Do not buy any shark products.
• Avoid towns with Shark nets.
• Support Marine Protected Areas.