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 MoreOceanic Blacktips and Swimming for Shark Habitat
Reef sharks determined “Functionally Extinct” on 20% of World’s Reefs. In Hawai’i these sharks are protected, but their habitat is being threatened in the Marine National Monuments under the Trump Administration.
In August, I will be swimming for sharks and maintaining protection in the Pacific Marine National Monuments, including the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and National Marine Sanctuary. I will also be searching for our local oceanic blacktip shark Bruno.
Save Our Seas, Save Ourselves
On July 12, Shark Stewards hosted a screening of David Attenboroughʻs Ocean and other short films at our annual ocean education event in Kailua-Kona Hawaii. This impactful film premiered at the UN Ocean Conference June 8, 2025. In Ocean, Sir David so eloquently highlights the numerous threats to the ocean and marine life, particularly bottom trawling. A major source of hope at the UN conference and in the film, is the establishment of no-take marine protected areas (MPAs), including the Channel Islands MPAs in California, and the Papahānaumokuākea in Hawaiian waters.
Read MoreGlobal Shark Attacks Low in 2024
New report documents low shark attacks and fatalities in USA and worldwide, 2025 heating up. The Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File recently published their annual shark attack report on global shark attacks in 2024.
The data from 2024 showed a dramatic decline from attacks the year prior, and at 52 recorded encounters, far below the ten year average of 70 globally. The 47 unprovoked attacks were down from 2023. Four of last year’s attacks resulted in fatalities, also a significant reduction from recent years.
Read MoreNOAA Designates 18th National Marine Sanctuary
Papahānaumokuākea sanctuary status to bring strengthened conservation, management to area of Hawaiian National Marine Monument January 15, 2025 Signed in the final hours under the Biden- Harris Administration, NOAA is […]
Read MoreSupport Pacific Island Marine Sanctuaries
In the next three years we have our sights on increasing marine protection in US waters through the creation of two new National Marine Sanctuaries: one in California with the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, and one in Hawaii with the creation of the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary. Creating the proposed Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary within the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument and the Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Sanctuary (PRINMS). These Sanctuary designations will provide stricter protection and can avoid challenges from future administrations stripping marine and cultural protection for resource extraction.
Read MoreShark Week News and the Kahu Manō
This week is Shark Week, Discovery Channels sensationalistic programs on feeding frenzies and shark attacks. On a more serious note, July 14 is International Shark Awareness Day, a day to recognize the importance of sharks to marine ecosystems, and the dire threat of extinction many species face. Shark Stewards lives for sharks everyday, and works to protect them from overfishing and the wildlife trade.
Read MorePress Release: Kona celebrates sharks on International Shark Day with film
On July 13, International Shark Day will be recognized in Kona with shark films recognizing the beauty and importance of sharks. Divers, surfers, swimmers and ocean lovers are invited to watch shark films at the Kona Elk Theater as a benefit event for the Kalanihale.org educating youth in Miloli’i.
Read MoreTest Your Shark Knowledge for Shark Week
Test your shark knowledge for shark week. Join us in Kona for International Shark Awareness Day for a screening of Kahu Manō our new film on Hawaii sharks, culture and traditional conservation.
Read MoreHawaii’s Spiritual Connection to the Shark
Sharks play an important role in art, legends, and even spiritual beliefs. Throughout Hawaiian folklore, stories, legends and myths feature sharks as deities and their interactions with humans. Sharks as individuals, and as symbols, are even revered by many native Hawaiians. Some species of sharks, like the Tiger shark, have a special status as ‘aumakua, or family guardians.
Read More