Dear Shark Stewards Supporter
Like an Oceanic Shark, we are lean, mean and highly efficient!
As 2024 draws to a close, I want to share with you the remarkable impact your support has made in protecting our ocean’s most misunderstood and vital predators. Over the past year, Shark Stewards has expanded our reach from the classroom to the deep blue, creating lasting change for shark conservation and marine protection.
Our community impact has been equally powerful. This year, we:
- Premiered our documentary “Kahu Manō: the Guardians of the Shark” and screened at 3 International Fisheries meetings, and seven film festivals, spreading awareness about oceanic whitetip protection;
- Received continued support from the Ignite Foundation for community lead marine protection projects in Hawai’i, Lombok Indonesia and Baja California MX.
- Initiated a research project funded by UC Berkeley for a student and community project to research shark and ray morbidity and mortality in the San Francisco Bay, monitor limnological conditions and community engagement to reduce pollution;
- Conducted 3 expeditions and documented shark nurseries and garnered stakeholder support to save hammerhead sharks in Baja CA Sur;
- Successfully advocated for marine protected areas, including the establishment of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary and stronger protection in West Hawaii ,and raised $3000.00 for the community of Miloli’i to support youth education;
- Mobilized 250 volunteers at 20 beach cleanups across Hawaii, Southern California, and the San Francisco Bay Area;
- Guided five wildlife expeditions in the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, documenting white sharks and identifying new humpback whales.
But there’s so much more to do. As shark populations face increasing threats from overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change, your year-end gift will help us:
- Expand our Ocean Academy to reach more underserved youth in California;
- Support ongoing research initiatives to protect critical shark habitat;
- Increase international protection and bycatch reduction for critically; endangered sharks in large tuna fisheries;
- Increase protection of endangered sharks by reducing bycatch in tuna fisheries;
- Strengthen our advocacy for marine protected areas in Baja CA Sur, MX;
- Continue our vital community science programs and beach cleanups reaching youth.
Your donation today is an investment in the future of our oceans. Whether it’s $50 to support a student in our Ocean Academy, $100 to fund a beach cleanup, or $500 to support our research expeditions, every gift makes a difference.
Will you help us continue this crucial work with a tax-deductible year-end gift? Together, we can ensure that sharks – and the marine ecosystems they help sustain – thrive for generations to come.
With oceans of gratitude for your support,
David McGuire
Executive Director, Shark Stewards
P.S. Make your gift by December 31st to receive your 2024 tax deduction.
Below is a breakdown of our expenses and income this year. Salaries are covered by grants, including a small overhead to our fiscal sponsor The Earth Island Institute covering a program assistant, bookkeeping, legal and other administration. Like a pelagic shark, Shark Stewards is lean, mean and highly effective!
