Support Underserved Youth Education at the Kona Ocean Camp

Help Protect Local Marine Protection and Save Sharks Through Action!

Inspired by the Hawaiian Kahu Manō (Guardians of the Shark) featured in our film, we are raising funds to screen and support the Community Based Subsistence Fishery Area and local youth in the south Kona Community featured in the film. The funds raised will go directly to an International Shark Awareness Day July 13th screening and fundraiser for the Miloli'i Lawai'a youth summer camp.

Why We Need Your Help

Large migratory sharks and species inhabiting the open ocean are in grave danger. A 2022 study revealed that a staggering 77% of all oceanic sharks are threatened with extinction. In the Pacific Ocean, less than 2% of oceanic whitetip sharks remain.

As the founder of Shark Stewards, I've personally dove with, filmed, and witnessed the magnificence of these sharks and their tragic decline. This campaign aims to ignite a global movement to recognize the plight of pelagic sharks. Charismatic hammerhead and oceanic whitetip sharks face imminent extinction, but we have the tools and experience to save them.

Guided by the Hawai'i has protected sharks and engaged community protecting coral reef ecosystems and serves as an example to the rest of the world.

Thanks to the Kahu Manō , we have been invited into the Hawaiian community and learned the cultural significance of sharks and local marine managed areas and allowed us to help them share their leadership.

How Your Donation Makes a Difference

We've created a powerful film to raise awareness and urge decision-makers to protect these critically endangered sharks. As a project of the Earth Island Institute, proceeds will benefit the completion of the Kahu Manō documentary and its associated campaign targeting international fisheries managers.

Your Funds Will Support:

The Guardians: Following Hawaii's Lead

Through this film and the Kahu Manō campaign, we aim to change fishing practices and regulations by advocating for zero retention and trade of four critically endangered shark species. Hawaii's Kahu Manō has demonstrated world leadership in shark conservation, implementing the first state shark fin trade ban, prohibiting all shark fishing, and pioneering gear modifications to reduce bycatch. Our film celebrates the traditions of the Kahu Manō and will share them to promote these successful strategies in other communities and fisheries.

Kahu Manō: A Call to Action

This action-oriented film is a beacon of hope for critically endangered sharks. It showcases how we can increase shark protection and coexist with these vital predators through wisdom and connection. We'll use the film to advocate for large fisheries management organizations to adopt gear changes that minimizes bycatch of endangered sharks. Additionally, we'll engage youth and the public to follow the example set by the Kahu Manō and join the movement to become future stewards.

Donations Go Directly to Shark Stewards

Funds raised will benefit the Kahu Manō Campaign by Shark Stewards, a non-profit project of the Earth Island Institute. We are an experienced and highly efficient shark conservation organization.

Every Donation Counts!

Thank you for considering a contribution to this critical cause to support community based education and conservation. Your support will help ensure the health of our oceans and the survival of these magnificent marine animals. We can't imagine an ocean without them!

About Us

Founded in 2006, Shark Stewards is dedicated to saving critically endangered sharks from extinction through regulating overfishing and the shark fin trade, and protecting critical marine habitat.

The Earth Island Institute supports environmental activist projects and fosters the next generation of environmental leaders in order to achieve solutions to the environmental crises threatening our planet.

We are a platinum-rated charity on GuideStar.