Shark Newsletter December 24, 2024
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This year, as part of our Kahu Manō campaign to reduce retention and bycatch of critically endangered sharks, Shark Stewards participated in two major fisheries management forums for bycatch reduction in the Pacific and Atlantic. Our film and short (below) on Oceanic Whitetips screened at the annual meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) to urge these regulatory bodies to swap out harmful fishing gear.
Tuna and billfish gear are responsible for a huge amount of shark bycatch. Requiring zero-retention, and landing sharks with fins-attached in these large industrial fisheries will reduce shark bycatch and better protect endangered sharks like whale sharks, manta rays and oceanic whitetip sharks.
Honoring the Blue and Remembering Dr Wallace “J” Nichols
We are remembering and lamenting the loss of our dear friend, science advisor and ocean hero Wallace J Nichols, a scientist and leader in marine conservation. (Image Dana Nichols)
Saving the Critically Endangered Oceanic Whitetip Shark
The oceanic whitetip shark, is receiving increased protection under the Endangered Species Act and none too soon. Over 95% of these charismatic sharks have been fished out of the global ocean.
We are currently working in Hawaii to recut the Kahu Manō film and demonstrate the leadership the Hawaii Longline Association and Native Hawaiian leaders have taken to protect these and other endangered sharks.
Volunteer of the Year- Dr. Karina Nikulina
Dr. Karina Nikulina is the Shark Stewards volunteer of the year in recognition of her tireless efforts in our education and science programs in Berkeley and Hawaii. Karina mentors youth and is helping monitor water quality and conditions in our Aquatic Park Study to determine shark and ray morbidity and mortality in the Bay. Her teaching and research skills (including in our local Marine Protected Areas) are delivered with passion and enthusiasm. As a largely volunteer effort, we rely on the energy and expertise of people like Karina!
Running for Sharks
Our 7th annual run for sharks and ocean health fair was held with a record turnout in Newport Beach. Led by Shark Survivor Maria Korcmaros, the event raises funds for underserved youth in our Ocean Academy in Southern California.
In the Bay Area, our science team member Lily Byrne will be running in 2024. She has started a Go Fund Me to raise money for instrumentation and water analysis, and will be running for sharks in the San Francisco Half Marathon. Join Lily on her run, sponsor with your donations- or create your own run, swim, walk or education event!
To keep sharks swimming, it is urgent we work together with communities and conservation. Please consider an end of year donation, and join our team to keep sharks and marine ecosystems alive and thriving!
Read how our grants and your donations are applied. Like a pelagic shark, Shark Stewards is lean, mean and highly effective!
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.
Will you help us save sharks with your donation?
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Shark Stewards, PO Box 617, Sausalito, CA 94966
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