May 31, 2025 Newsletter
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The self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) has opened up a new world beneath the surface to adventurers and explorers. The ability to breath underwater for long periods has revolutionized our ability to observe and interact with the marine life. Invented in 1943 by Jacques Cousteau and Emile Gagnan, the “Aqua-Lung ” is also a tool for scientists and community scientists to better understand marine life and marine ecosystems. In the past decade, Shark Stewards has used SCUBA as a conservation tool to document sharks, behavior and movements.
Volunteer divers- including freedivers -add to databases of underwater imagery and provide identification using algorithms. Dive tourism is an emerging tool for shark research and shark protection. This year I will have been certified for 50 years and with over 5000 dives, love being underwater more than ever. Join Shark Stewards at one of our events, encouraging youth to get wet, and visit us at the SCUBA Show Long Beach May 31, June 1. Learn how you can see and save sharks!
Lawsuit Filed to Block Government Proposal to Fish Pacific Marine Protected Area
On April 17, President Trump issued an executive order would open large USA marine protected areas to commercial fishing in the Pacific. The order instructs the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to implement US-based fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. The proclamation threatens endangered species, sharks, and some of the healthiest coral reefs and marine ecosystems in the world.Protected under federal law since 2009, the proclamation violates the Antiquities Act, the law used to create the Monument.
On May 22nd, a lawsuit was filed by Earthjustice representing a Hawaiian cultural group Kāpaʻa, the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, and the Center for Biological Diversity.These remote islands provide refuge for a large variety of marine wildlife and healthy coral reef ecosystems. The Monument hosts sea turtles, marine mammals, millions of seabirds, and scores of shark species- including the critically endangered Oceanic Whitetip.
The1906 Antiquities Act allows presidents to designate and protect public lands as national monuments, but does not grant them the authority to remove protections from established monuments. This lawsuit challenges the President’s action as unlawful for exceeding the president’s constitutional authority and infringing upon the powers reserved to Congress. Click the button below and learn how you can help support this cause.
Endangered sea turtles need healthy habitat to survive. Green sea turtle, Kona Hawai’i. Image ©DavidMcGuire, SharkStewards
Celebrate the Ocean- World Ocean Day
World Oceans Day is June 8, a day of international celebration of the ocean. It is also an opportunity to recognize of the importance our oceans which contribute to our weather, the health of marine ecosystems and our lives. It is also a time to reflect, inspire youth, and take action to protect the ocean and ocean life we love. Join Shark Stewards, dive in and celebrate WOD and kicking off Sea Turtle Week!
Show your love for sharks and ocean health! Please join us urging Congress to maintain, not weaken environment and species protection. Help by signing a petition, writing a letter to your representative, or joining us on a World Ocean Day event, or start your own.
David McGuire, Director, Shark Stewards
Contact Congress
Events
May 31, June 1 800am-5:00 pm SCUBA Show Long Beach Meet us at our booth #624 at Long Beach Convention Center 300 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA.
June 8, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
World Ocean Day Bioblitz and CleanupJoin us celebrating the ocean with a Snapshot Cal Coast Bioblitz, cleanup, brand survey and water monitoring at Aquatic Park, Berkeley.
July 12 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Celebrate Shark Awareness Day at Berkeley Shark ParkCelebrate International Shark Day at our own shark park nursery site and help us monitor and protect this beautiful park and lagoon with Aquatic Park Stewards.
August 24 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Back to School Aquatic Park CleanupJoin us welcoming our students back to school with a clean up and survey, Aquatic Park, Berkeley CA.
September 20 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
California Coastal Cleanup Day Aquatic Park,Join Shark Stewards on September 20, 2025 for the biggest day of volunteer action at Aquatic Park Berkeley, with the East Bay Parks!
September 21 – November 9 (Sundays)
Sharktober- Devil’s Teeth Farallon Island and Wildlife Adventures
Our 16th year of Sanctuary wildlife tours, experiencing marine megafauna and learning about the importance of marine and species protection. From seabirds to sharks, these day-long adventures are exciting and educational and support our National Marine Sanctuary and CA marine protected areas.
To keep sharks swimming, it is urgent we work together with communities and conservation. Please consider a donation, and join our team to keep sharks and marine ecosystems alive and thriving!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.
With your support, we keep sharks swimming and the ocean healthy. We value your time, your passion, and any size donation.
Copyright © | 2025 | SHARK STEWARDS | All rights reserved
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Shark Stewards, 2150 Allston Way, Suite 460, Berkeley CA 94704
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