Recreational fishermen claim they are losing their catch to sharks, and rather than adapting their fishing practices, they are claiming that shark populations have “exploded.” In reality, NOAA has documented that U.S. Atlantic shark populations have been on a steep decline since the 1980s.
We cannot let the sportfishing lobby write the rules for ocean conservation. As Shark Stewards, we must demand that ocean policy be guided by peer-reviewed science, not the frustrations of anglers losing a catch.
Press Release: Kona celebrates the Ocean with film, education and community
On July 11, our Kona community is invited to celebrate the ocean with documentary films, education partners and a talk story, recognizing the beauty and importance to humans. Divers, surfers, swimmers and ocean lovers are invited to watch ocean films at the Kona Elks’ Theater as a benefit event for the Kohala Centerʻs Reef Teach program educating youth and engaging community at Kahaluʻu.
Read MoreRSVP for Kona Ocean Day
Secure your place for the July 11 Kona Ocean Day featuring a screening of Keeper of the Bay with Aunty Cindi Punihaole. Malama aina with local ocean non profits and […]
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.
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