🦈 Shark Awareness Day (July 14): What You Didn’t Know—and What You Can Do

Siana Phillips
Jul 15
3 min read

What Day Is National Shark Day?
How to Celebrate Shark Awareness Day
Is There an International Shark Day?
Is July 14 the Day of Shark Awareness?
Why Is Shark Week Celebrated?
Is It Shark Day Today?
What Month Is Shark Week?
How to Respect Sharks
Shark Fact of the Day
What Ocean Sole Is Doing for Sharks and Rays in Kenya
Did You Know Shopping with Us Helps Save Sharks?

Shark Awareness Day, also known as International Shark Day, is observed every year on July 14. It’s a global moment to replace fear with facts—and to take action to protect one of the most misunderstood and essential species on Earth.

A group of Kenyan fishermen attending an Ocean Sole workshop about shark and ray conservation in a coastal village. — Local fishers in Kilifi learning about sharks and rays during one of our coastal community workshops. Education is the first step toward conservation.

What Day Is National Shark Day?

National Shark Day and International Shark Awareness Day both fall on July 14 each year (1). The goal? To raise awareness about sharks and rays, highlight the threats they face, and shift the public conversation from fear to understanding.

How to Celebrate Shark Awareness Day

You don’t need to dive into the ocean to make an impact:

Share science-backed facts: For example, you’re more likely to be struck by lightning than bitten by a shark (2).
Avoid shark-based products: Say no to shark fin soup, shark leather, and shark-tooth trinkets.
Support beach cleanups and conservation efforts.
Teach children and communities about the ecological importance of sharks and rays.

Is There an International Shark Day?

Yes! Shark Awareness Day on July 14 is recognized internationally as a day for conservation education and advocacy (3).

A large, colorful great white shark sculpture created by Ocean Sole artisans using over 700 recycled flip-flops. — Raising Awareness - Our handcrafted great white shark sculpture—made from over 700 discarded flip-flops—celebrates the power of art to tell ocean stories.

Is July 14 the Day of Shark Awareness?

Absolutely. July 14 is the official Shark Awareness Day, observed globally to bring attention to the threats facing sharks and rays, and to promote protective actions.

Why Is Shark Week Celebrated?

Shark Week began in 1988 as a way to promote shark conservation and correct public misconceptions (4). It’s grown into a popular television event, but at its heart is a focus on science, survival, and the role sharks play in ocean health.

Is It Shark Day Today?

If it’s July 14, yes—it’s Shark Awareness Day. If not, it’s always a good day to advocate for sharks.

What Month Is Shark Week?

Shark Week typically airs in July or August, with exact dates changing each year. In 2024, it ran from July 7–13 (5).

How to Respect Sharks

Avoid touching, feeding, or harassing them in the wild.
Don’t buy shark products.
Speak up against fear-based media portrayals.
Support conservation, science, and education efforts.

Shark Fact of the Day

There are over 500 known shark species, from the 8-inch dwarf lantern shark to the 10-meter whale shark. Despite their diversity, many are now endangered—and some critically so. Since 1970, oceanic shark populations have declined by over 70% due to overfishing, pollution, and finning (6).

What Ocean Sole Is Doing for Sharks and Rays in Kenya

In Kenya, there’s a widespread lack of education around sharks and rays. At Ocean Sole, we’re bridging that gap. We work with local fishers and schoolchildren to teach about these keystone species, their role in the ecosystem, and why they matter. We also gather critical catch and bycatch data—insights that help inform better protections. And through our beach cleanups, we’ve cleared over 14 tonnes of marine trash since 2022, reducing plastic hazards for sharks, rays, and all marine life.