Saving Sharks and MPAS – March 24. 2026, Newsletter
This week, international discussions to increase trade and catch protection for endangered hammerhead and thresher sharks are underway at the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP15). In Hawaii, the Fisheries Council is taking Trump’s directive to open Marine National Monuments in the Hawaiian Islands and South Pacific to commercial fishing. Meanwhile, millions across the country are a rising tide of momentum to save the ocean and our rights at No Kings.
Add your voice and act now to defend marine monuments and fisheries protection.
Sharks in the News
International Shark Protection
Shark and Ray conservation is center stage at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. (CMS COP15) this week.
Several shark and ray species including thresher sharks, hammerheads, angelsharks, wedgefishes, guitarfishes and manta rays are being discussed for enhanced conservation measures. Proposals range from Appendix I listings (strict protection) to Appendix II listings (coordinated international management), reflecting growing recognition of the pressures these highly migratory species are facing.
Protecting migratory marine species requires urgent science-based policy, international collaboration, and sustained conservation action.
Marine Monuments at Risk
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council announced its intentions to allow U.S. fishermen to fish in U.S. Pacific Federally Managed Marine Protected Areas at its 206th meeting this week. Due to a proclamation by President Trump, America’s largest and most pristine reefs and waters are at risk to commercial fishing.
A directive that removes the commercial fishing prohibitions would require the Council to consider the current fisheries management framework for the Marianas Trench (MTMNM), Papahānaumokuākea (PMNM), and Rose Atoll Marine National Monuments (RAMNM). The WPFMC is rubber stamping the administration’s bidding, and already has vopilated federal law by opening the Pacific Island Heritage Marine National Monument by sending a fleet into fish Johnson’s Atoll until blocked in court last year.
Contact Congress and sign the petition to stop commercial fishing in Marine National Monuments.
NO KINGS
Ice Belongs in the Arctic, Save the ESA
Cuts to species and environmental protection have been underway in the USA, as other threats to the rights of US citizens have been eroded. On March 28th join Shark Stewards and ocean activists across the nation, peacefully speaking out during our 3rd No Kings events in Berkeley CA, or where you live.
Shark Stewards is a Project of The Earth Island Institute
2150 Allston Way, Suite 460