I am writing to express our strenuous opposition to the recent final action taken by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) to restore commercial fishing within the Pacific Remote Islands, Rose Atoll, Marianas Trench, and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monuments. This recommendation to allow longline and purse seine fishing within 50–200 nm of these protected areas is a direct assault on some of the world’s last remaining intact marine ecosystems and must be rejected by NOAA Fisheries.
Read MoreTrump Signs Illegal Order Opening Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument to Fishing
On June 11, 2026, President Trump signed an “Executive Proclamation Restoring American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific,” opening National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine National Monuments to United States flagged fishing vessels. This Executive […]
Read MoreTurning the Tide: Why the Stop Illegal Fishing Act is Crucial for Sharks and Human Rights
Every year, an invisible war is waged across the global ocean. Out of sight and far from shore, rogue fishing vessels plunder marine ecosystems, pushing vulnerable species to the brink of extinction. This is Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, a global criminal enterprise worth an estimated $23 billion annually. H.R. 6338: The Stop Illegal Fishing Act is a bold, necessary step toward real accountability on the high seas. Introduced in the 119th Congress, this bill targets the financial lifelines of ocean poachers.
Read MoreGuest Blog- Why I Wont Eat Shark Fin Soup
As a Chinese American (even though I’ve personally never had the soup), this problem hits close to home. The reason the shark fin trade is so lucrative in places like China is because of the massive demand, which is interesting because the shark fin itself has no flavor and serves only to thicken the soup. The real flavor comes from the broth, and the shark fin can easily be substituted for sustainable options like scallops or even mushrooms, which have the same gelatinous texture.
Read MoreTwelve Things to Save the Ocean
June 6, 2026 Celebrating World Oceans Day and Taking Action 🐋 Policy & Legislative Action 📊 Community Science & Data Collection 🎬 Join Us at an Event, on an Adventure- […]
Read MoreEmergency Regulations Passed for California White Sharks and Beach Safety
Shark Stewards would like the Department to consider a regulation making attracting sharks and using gear targeting large sharks illegal on California piers and beaches. Public comment can be made June 17 in support of our petition to prohibit activities and gear targeting sharks on public piers and beaches in California
Read MoreStop New Drilling in California
eadline today, March 13, 2026 to comment to the Bureau of Land Management to stop proposed opening up of California lands to oil development.
Read MoreComments to National Marine Fisheries on Opening Atlantic Shark Fishing
On behalf of Shark Stewards, a non-profit marine conservation organization dedicated to protecting global shark populations and maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems, we submit these comments strongly opposing the proposed revisions to the commercial Atlantic blacknose and recreational Atlantic shark fisheries management measures.
Read MoreEndangered Sharks and Rays in the News
Endangered Species Month Launched as Scientists Warn of Hundreds of Species of Rays and Skates at Risk From Overfishing and Habitat Loss.
NOAA Proposes More Shark Fishing in Atlantic as SHARKED Act Swims in Senate
NOAA Proposes to Increase Atlantic Shark Fishing
NOAA Fisheries has introduced a reckless proposal aimed at relaxing fishing regulations. If approved, these changes will drastically reduce protections for commercial and recreational shark fisheries across the northwestern Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean. Public comment period ends May 29.
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