On April 17, President Trump issued an executive order would open large U.S.- marine protected areas to commercial fishing. The order authorized the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and US Fish and Wildlife Service to implement US-based fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. The proclamation threatens Pacific Island heritage, endangered species, and some of the healthiest coral reefs and marine ecosystems in the world.
Read MoreSupport Increasing International Protection for Endangered Sharks at CITES CoP20
As a U.S. nongovernmental organization Shark Stewards will attend CoP20 as a participant advancing the Oceanic Whitetip shark, Whale shark and Gulper Sharks. In addition we will be advancing the proposal with Mexico to increase Hammerhead sharks to Appendix I: the highest level of protection for trade available.
Read MoreSanctuaries and NOAA in Peril
Budget cuts and the potential stripping of marine protection in our National Marine Sanctuaries is an imminent threat to over fifty years of wildlife and habitat in the USA.
Shark Stewards urges you to contact your congressman and support NOAA and our National Marine Sanctuaries.
Read MoreShark Stewards Joins Nationwide Coalition to Support NOAA
Shark Stewards has joined 377 organizations and businesses nationwide have joined together to urge Congress to oppose actions by the Trump administration to dismantle, privatize, or significantly diminish the critical services and functions of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Read MoreAction: Hawai’i Wild Fish Aquarium Trade Permitting
The Hawai’i HB661 bill can bypass permitting requirements for wild fish collection. The hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, February 27, at 2:00 pm (HST), in the House Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs. As with the Senate bill, this version (HB661) is a dangerous bill that would also entirely gut the Hawaiʻi Environmental Policy Act (HEPA) by allowing potentially destructive activities to continue during any required environmental review.
Read MoreDefend Our National Marine Sanctuaries
A new bill has been introduced in the US Congress that would amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. The Act protects US marine habitat, underwater natural resources and cultural heritage treasures, and empowers community input on the use of our national marine sanctuaries.
Read MoreSHARKED Act Reintroduced and Passes Through House- Add Your Comments
Jan 30, 2025 “As a lifelong fisherman, I have seen firsthand the impact of shark depredation on our marine ecosystem and the sportfishing community,” said Congressman Wittman (R,VA). This point […]
Read MoreNOAA Considers New Rule to Increase Protection Oceanic Whitetip Sharks
In a public hearing August 20-21 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration conducted hearings seeking comments on a proposed rule to extend protective regulations for threatened oceanic whitetip sharks under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act. The public can submit comments on the rule until Sept. 15.
Read MoreTell the Hawaii BLNR NO Aquarium Reef Fish Fishing
The Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) is moving forward with their plan to re-open West Hawaiʻi to commercial aquarium collection (AQ) on behalf of the mainland businesses that sell wildlife for aquariums. They will ask the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) to approve it on August 23.
Read MoreHow You Can Help Oceanic Whitetip Sharks
NOAA National Marine Fisheries is Considering Rule Changes to the ESA to Increase Protection for the Oceanic Whitetip Shark
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