Shark Non-Profits Making Waves in Conservation
If you love sharks as much as I do, donating your time and money to a shark non-profit is on your to do list.
Here’s a round-up of some incredible shark non-profits doing meaningful work for our oceans:
Project Hiu (Indonesia)
Founded by activist Madison Stewart, Project Hiu offers an innovative solution to shark fishing by providing alternative income to Indonesian shark fishermen—turning shark hunting boats into eco-tourism vessels. Project Hiu also has some great merch! I love my Project Hiu sweatshirt and drybag.
Bimini Shark Lab (Bahamas)
The Bimini Biological Field Station, widely known as the Bimini Shark Lab, is a leader in shark research and education. Located in the Bahamas, this shark non-profit studies multiple shark species and offers hands-on educational experiences to students, scientists, and conservationists around the world.
Shark Stewards (California, USA)
Based in California, Shark Stewards has been a major force in shark and marine conservation. Their work includes advocating for shark fin trade bans, establishing marine protected areas, and educating the public on the importance of sharks in ocean ecosystems. If you live in California, Shark Stewards hosts events focused on IDing individual sharks and cleaning up our beaches.
Ma’o Mana Foundation (French Polynesia)
Ma’o Mana is dedicated to shark research, sustainable eco-tourism, and education in French Polynesia. They work closely with local communities to support marine conservation and ensure enforcement of existing shark protections in the region.
Hawai’i Uncharted Research Collective (Hawai’i, USA)
This non-profit is focused on studying whale sharks in Hawaiian waters through a mix of citizen science, education, and collaborative research. Their work sheds light on the little-known populations of whale sharks around the Hawaiian Islands.
Shark Allies (Los Angeles, USA)
Shark Allies is an LA-based non-profit that advocates for the protection and conservation of sharks through legislation, education, and media. They were instrumental in getting the shark fin trade banned in several U.S. states and continue to work on policy reform and public outreach to reduce human impact on shark populations.
Whether you’re donating, volunteering, sharing their stories, or choosing sustainable seafood, supporting these shark non-profits is a powerful way to contribute to the health of our oceans. Sharks aren’t just misunderstood predators—they’re essential players in ocean ecosystems. And thanks to these dedicated organizations, their future looks just a little bit brighter.
