by L.S. Watts

Created on: August 05, 2009

Many people fear sharks and it is true that they shouldn't be taken lightly, but many times sharks are misunderstood. They have been hunted out of fear, food, and sport. This has caused some shark species numbers to dwindle. Sharks are an important part of the oceans ecosystem and these programs help to preserve the species as well as the habitat.

Shark adoptions are available through several organizations around the globe. These adoptions help fund conservation programs and research programs. There is still so much to we have yet to learn about sharks and adoption helps fund gaining more insight about sharks.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

The WWF is always working toward wildlife conservation. Sharks are no exception. You can adopt a shark with three easy packages to choose from. First is the $25 adoption kit that includes a certificate and a picture of a Great White. The next adoption kit is $50. In addition to the certificate and the photo, you will receive a 16 inch plush toy with a gift bag. The final adoption package is $100 and includes everything the other packages have as well as a gift box and frame for your certificate and photo.

Shark Research Institute

The Shark Research Institute has whale sharks available for adoption. For $10 annually, you can help fund their whale shark study. You will be adopting a tagged whale shark and will be informed each time your whale shark has been spotted. If you don't like annual fees, you could choose the lifetime adoption option for $100.

Iemanya Oceanica

Iemanya Oceanica has several sharks available for adoption. There are three adoption packages available with prices ranging from $49.99 to $99.99. Each package includes a personalized certificate of adoption for the shark of your choice, pictures and information about your shark, a t-shirt, stickers and educational information regarding marine conservation. You will also be able to follow the movement of your adopted shark online because each shark available for adoption has satellite and acoustic tags.

Shark Foundation

At the Shark Foundation, you have the opportunity to adopt a Great White shark and assist in the conservation of these threatened creatures. There are five sponsorship levels to choose from with the Shark Foundation. These levels range from 100 AUD to 10,000 AUD. Currency converters are available at the website. Each package comes with an adoption certificate, a picture of your adopted shark, and information about Great Whites. With each level of sponsorship, more benefits will be received.

Oceana

Oceana is working toward protecting the sharks and their habitats. With each adoption, the money is used to fund these efforts. With Oceana, you can adopt a Hammerhead shark and receive a plush Hammerhead shark along with an adoption certificate for $50 - $75. Another option is the cookie cutter packages. You will receive an adoption certificate along with a shark cookie cutter. These packages range from $35 - $75.

Shark Trust

With Shark Trust, you can choose to adopt either a Great White or a Basking shark. For 20 GBP, you will be helping fund conservation projects in the United Kingdom as well as in California. With each adoption you will receive a certificate and access to the website for more features to your adoption.

Underwater Australasia

By adopting a gray nurse shark you will be helping the Nature Conservation Council's gray nurse shark conservation program. With each adoption you will receive a certificate of adoption, a gray nurse shark poster, shark tattoos, quarterly emails, and a CD full of information, educational games, and more. You can choose a one year adoption for 75 AUD, a two year adoption for 140 AUD, or a three year adoption for 200 AUD.

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