September 26, 2025
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In a landmark moment for the ocean last week, 60 countries officially ratified the High Seas Treaty, an agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This historic agreement—also known as the the BBNJ Agreement– begins an international cooperation to protect nearly half the global ocean. Outside countries exclusive economic zone starting at 200 miles from shore, most of the open sea falls beyond national jurisdiction. Whales, big fish and sharks do not know human boundaries, and are vulnerable to harvesting with little recourse on the high seas. The Treaty establishes a comprehensive legal framework to safeguard marine biodiversity in areas beyond nation’s jurisdiction.
In the Northeast Pacific, adult white sharks annually migrate far from USA and Mexican protection and are vulnerable to being killed as bycatch on international longliners or shark finning on the high seas. This is one of the reasons we celebrate their return to Sanctuary during Sharktober each year!
This important agreement is intended to fill critical regulatory gaps and cast a comprehensive net for marine stewardship. This includes requiring environmental impact assessments for activities on the high seas (e.g. deep sea mining), and it promotes biodiversity and sharing marine genetic resources, builds capacity, and provides technology transfer for developing countries.
The Treaty will enable the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on the high seas, where formal protection is limited to around 1%. MPAs are essential for maintaining healthy, resilient ecosystems that support biodiversity, climate stability, and economic development. Despite the lack of US endorsement, this treaty offers hope to regulate deep sea mining and overfishing areas by countries like China, with a huge distant water fishing fleet, and Japan, fishing krill in Antarctic waters, and deep sea mining proposed by the US and Canada. The treaty will go into effect January 2026.
Hope Spot with Dr. Sylvia Earle
Supporting Our National Marine SanctuariesThis fall the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank were designated a new Hope Spot by Sylvia Earleʻs Mission Blue. A Hope Spot is a scientifically recognized and locally championed area of the ocean that is critically important to marine health and recovery.
Support NOAA’s Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries on an adventure. Participate in the NAME THE SEAL contest for a free #Sharktober expedition to the Devil’s Teeth. (what is SHARKTOBER?) Our next trip to see whales, wildlife and a search for white sharks is Sunday, September 28th. Since, 2009, these trips run Sundays through November.
These rare wildlife trips are held only in the fall when the weather is fine, the seabirds are on the wing, the whales are feeding nearshore and the white sharks return to Sanctuary after migration from the “White Shark Cafe” in the central pacific. Winner gets a free ticket for a fall 2025 trip!
This soft foam and neoprene decoy is used for education, and to collect photo ID for white shark observations at SE Farallon Islands. The Sanctuaries Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act are under threat by this Administration. Name our seal and join us on a trip into our National Marine Sanctuaries, and support marine protection and shark conservation under the US Congress.
EVENTS
- Bi-Weekly- Shark Science, Education and Action-Shark Team Zooms.
Volunteers welcome. Sign up - September 28 – November 9 (Sundays) 0730-5:00pm
Sharktober- Devil’s Teeth Farallon Island and Wildlife Adventures
Our 16th year of Sanctuary wildlife tours at the Farallon islands, 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. Sundays only- Sept-Nov weather dependent. Sign up. - October 5 Munk Ocean Day, 09:30 am – 4:30 pm Kellogg Park at La Jolla Shores
The annual Walter Munk Day celebration honors Walter’s 80-year legacy of daring exploration and discovery through scientific research, education and ocean conservation. The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of the fragility of our oceans and showcase Kumeyaay Heritage and Culture. Volunteers welcome. - October 12 Sharktober Survey and Cleanup 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Plastic survey, water monitoring and shark education activities. Shark science and fun! Learn about our shark, ray and water monitoring project. Come make a sign for our March for the Ocean on No Kings Day, Berkeley at Aquatic Park. - October 18 4:00PM March for the Ocean- No Kings. University overpass bridge Berkeley. Make a sign or wear an ocean creature costume to peacefully protest for sharks, whales and healthy oceans. This is a first amendment, non-partisan expression of free speech to support the Sanctuaries, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act and rule of law. Volunteers Apply Here!
- November 15 @ 09:00 am – 12:00 pm Run 4 Sharks and Ocean Health Fair. 5k/1 mile run and walk, ocean education to benefit Youth Ocean Academy. South Junior High, Anaheim CA. Sign up or Volunteer for kids!
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! Want to help? Join our bi-weekly shark science and action team zooms on alternate Thursdays, 6pm PDT.
Click the link for invitation.
Show your love for sharks and ocean health! Please join us urging Congress to maintain, not weaken marine and species protection. Help by signing a petition, writing a letter to your representative, or help by volunteering to protect them.
David McGuire, Director, Shark Stewards
Learn MoreShark 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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