Tiger sharks are considered sacred to some Polynesian people and require large tracts of protected waters to survive, like the proposed Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary. Image from film Kahu Manō David McGuire
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Inspired by a Trans-Pacific voyage over 20 years ago, Shark Steward’s has focused on protecting sharks and habitat in the Pacific Ocean. A core component of our work is working with people of Asian and Pacific Islands with a large focus on Polynesia.
Sailing in French Polynesia and the Hawaiian Island chain helped support the first shark fin trade bans and what became the designation of the first Marine National Monument now called the Papahānaumokuākea. A significant breeding site for endangered monk seals and sea turtles, thousands of nesting seabirds such as the magnificent Laysan Albatross, and home to the Manō (sharks), this is the healthiest and largest intact coral-reef system in the N. Pacific and of great spiritual and cultural importance to Hawaiians. Click the button for information on the proposed Sanctuary.
This month we have been screening our film Kahu Manō to recognize the history, contributions, achievements and importance of our diverse team and colleagues during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Read the perspectives of two of our team featured below.
Shared Perspectives on Sharks and AAPI Month With Our Team
Shark Stewards Dive Ambassador Charles Wang and Friends, Fiji
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate our rich cultural heritage and contributions. However, it also provides an opportunity to address challenging topics within our communities including racism, and cultural insensitivity. Working in and among Asian and Pacific Islands, we value the cultural and ocean connections we share, with a united purpose to protect sharks and ocean habitat.
Read two perspectives from our Asian American Dive Team Advisor Charles Wang, and new Kona Hawaii volunteer Hoku Maru Yakamoto.Supporting Youth Ocean Education and the Kahu ManōThis month during AAPI we screened our film Kahu Manō Guardians of the Shark at select screenings, including at the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission working on shark bycatch reduction in the Pacific and Indian Ocean tuna fisheries. We will be screening at other fisheries decision-making venues this year and at festivals from Hawai’i to the EU.
Learn more, and sign our petition to to reduce bycatch of critically endangered Oceanic Whitetip, Silky and Scalloped Hammerhead sharks.
To keep sharks alive and swimming it is urgent we work together with communities and conservation. Join the team and help keep sharks and marine ecosystems alive and thriving!
Join Us!
During AAPI month we launched a crowdsource fundraiser to support the Kahu Manō campaign benefiting underserved youth at our new Sharks and Ocean Academy, including the Kalanihale.org and Ohana featured in the film.
One third of all sharks are imminently threatened with extinction and we are guiding the future generation to become leaders to save them. Join us at a film screening, volunteer, and help us protect sharks from overfishing, and their habitat through marine protected areas.
Will you help us save sharks with your donation?
With your support, we keep sharks swimming and the ocean healthy. We value your time, your passion, and any size donation.Shark Stewards is rated highest by Charity Navigator, Platinum-ranked by GuideStar, a member of 1% for the Planet, and a proud project of the Earth Island Institute, a federally registered 501(c)3 non profit.
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