Topics include: Elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, skates and sawfish); Ocean Literacy; Policy/Governance
Country/Region: USA
Shark Stewards works to eliminate the global shark fin trade, through education and policy change from the USA to Asia, especially in the major import and consumption hubs of Malaysia, Singapore and China.
We work in policy to stop the overfishing of sharks and rays at the state, national and international level. Advocacy and introducing shark trade bans, increasing fisheries management in California, and building enforcement into international treaties have proven effective to reduce impacts on global shark populations. Our data, reports and comments to fisheries management organizations like the US National Marine Fisheries Service groups like the Pacific Fisheries Regional Management Council, United Nations Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RMFO) and the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) influences decisions that protect sharks in national and international waters. Our work supports the establishment, implementation and monitoring of marine protected areas in the USA and in SE Asia and maintaining compliance and support through education.