“After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea… If we save the sea, we save our world.” Sir David Attenborough
July 7, 2025 Newsletter
Film Screening of Ocean by Sir David Attenborough and annual International Shark Day Celebration, Kona.
With ocean education partners and local films at the Hualālai Theater, Kona Elks Lodge on July 12, we are paying homage to an icon, and taking action for ocean life. Short Hawai’i films included with ocean education partners, including ʻĀkoʻakoʻa, Malama Kai, Ocean Janitors, Kalanihale of Miloli’i, and NOAA’s
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in partnership with the International Ocean Film Festival.
The event is a call to action, recognizing Hawaii’s connection and leadership, and demonstrating to the world how we can and must protect the ocean and marine life.
Donations gratefully accepted.
Tickets at door.
Sharks Offered Increased Hope with International Protection
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| Our shark whisperer Alyssa Rodrigues respects and protects sharks (no touch). Scene from film Kahu Mano II in production |
This year, several species of sharks are proposed for increased international protection under the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). Despite a lack of agency resources or political will from the USA, several species of sharks are being advanced for increased trade protection including Hammerhead sharks, Whale Sharks and our cause célèbre the Oceanic Whitetip shark. These are all under consideration for Appendix I, the highest trade restriction under CITES, at CoP20.
A new study in the Journal Marine Policy, finds that CITES shark and ray listings have driven improved global shark and ray management at a rate and scale that was previously lacking, particularly in biodiverse regions such as the global tropics.
Forget the shark whispering and the Shark Week noise, and act now to prevent the extinction of endangered sharks and rays, including the charismatic Oceanic Whitetip Shark. Take Action
We Swim for Sharks (and kids)
Since 2009, we have been swimming for sharks with an annual open water awareness swim. On July 5th, we kicked off our campaign at the Triple Crown Kamakahonu swim in Kailua Bay, where I placed second in division. We started a GoFundMe for a point to point 10K swim in Bruno’s (our local shark) backyard along the Kona coast on August 9, 2025.This year we are swimming to defend our Pacific National Marine Monuments from commercial fishing in court and by producing short media driving support directed at Congress.
Follow the swim with updates on Instagram while I train, and swim for sharks and ocean health.
Thanks for contributing, and supporting sharks!
Show your love for sharks and ocean health! We must act now to defend our US Marine Protected Areas and endnagered sharks. 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
EVENTS
- July 12 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Beach Cleanup with South Kohala Alliance and Keep Puako Beautiful at Kawaihae Surf Park, HI. More information. - July 12 @ 4:00-7:30 PM
Ocean Screening, Hawaii films and celebration.
Elks Lodge Kona 5-170 Hualalai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI. Tickets at door or Donations accepted - July 13 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pmCommunity Beach Cleanup and Data Monitoring
Celebrate Shark Awareness Day at Berkeley Shark Park - September 21 – November 9 (Sundays)
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.
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
Our mailing address is:
Shark Stewards, 2150 Allston Way, Suite 460, Berkeley CA 94704
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