Network Organizations

• The Organizations listed below are all part of the Shark Safe Network
  
  net - work
  
  noun: a large, widely distributed group of individuals and entities that communicate with one another and work together as a unit or system to build productivity and/or opportunities.
  
  These organizations are working hard to protect sharks and all understand, that by working together we are more powerful than working alone. Every one of these groups is comprised of intelligent and passionate people with varied skills and backgrounds. The threats facing sharks are huge and protecting them may seem an overwhelming task. With this combined team of experience, knowledge and commitment to a common goal, however, we believe that the sharks can win!
  
  Please read the summary for each organization to find out what they're doing for sharks and how you can get involved to support these efforts.
  
  This list is far from complete! Please let us know if you would like us to list your organization and promote your initiatives. Contact us here.

• International Year of the Shark
  The International Year of the Shark is more than a Shark Conservation Organization. It is the inspiration that brings all Shark Conservation efforts together. This vision will ultimately make us all successful!
  
  THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE SHARK was inspired by the finding that at the current rate of rampant overfishing, common shark species will be extinct in 10 to 15 years. Founders, Alex "Sharkman" Buttigieg and Ila France Porcher, felt that urgent action was necessary, and decided to take advantage of the communication potential of the Internet to link together with other shark protection organizations and groups, in a global network Internet think tank - something that has never been possible before.
  
  Through instantaneous communication among us, we can discuss, inspire, synchronize our efforts, maximize our efficiency, and share information, ideas and relevant written material. Together we can target global issues and campaigns with a much stronger force, thus having a better success possibility. We can reach out and raise awareness to a wider spectrum thus showing the real threats that sharks are facing today.
  
  The communication forum for the International Year of the Shark is The Shark Group. The Shark Group is a Google Group, which welcomes all shark conservation groups and everyone who cares about protecting sharks and our oceans.
  
  You can support this ambitious effort by:
  
  Joining The Shark Group, becoming an active participant, and spreading the word
  (http://groups.google.com/group/The_Shark_Group?hl=en)
  
  Purchasing IYOTS apparel and other items from the Café Press store
  (http://www.cafepress.com/let_sharks_live)
  
  http://www.year-of-the-shark-2009.org/
  
  
• Shark Savers - Our mission is to save the sharks.
  Shark Savers is dedicated to saving sharks through awareness, education and action. Their efforts include shark conservation campaigns, petitions and organizing local Shark Savers chapters.
  
  One of their major focuses is educating the public on the dangers of shark fin soup including a soon-to-be-launched awareness campaign in China in collaboration with WildAid. The goal is to reduce the consumption of shark fin soup, the largest cause of shark population decimation. This campaign includes a television public service announcement featuring basketball champion Yao Ming, a dedicated web site to educate the public about shark fin soup, and community-enabled campaigns.
  
  To share the message about sharks with the public, Shark Savers has an ever-growing web site, which is an excellent resource for information about sharks and their conservation. Shark Savers creates presentational and educational material and local public events.
  
  You can support Shark Savers' efforts by donating and by signing up for the e-mail list or the Shark Savers Facebook Cause to find out about current campaigns, petitions and projects.
  
  http://www.sharksavers.org/
  
  
• Amphibious Warrior Scuba Wear - Clothing with a Cause
  AWSW is the Conservation Scuba Clothing Company. This apparel is all eco-friendly and the designs are cool. And a portion of the proceeds goes to supporting marine conservation! AWSW also organizes and participates regularly in grass roots efforts to protect endangered sharks from exploitation and promote sustainable seafood.
  
  You can support AWSW by ordering and wearing this Clothing with a Cause! AWSW will be offering Shark Safe Network apparel soon. Also become a Fan of AWSW on Facebook for marine conservation updates and news about new designs and special offers.
  
  http://www.awscubawear.com/
  
  

• AfriOceans Conservation Alliance (AOCA)
  AfriOceans Conservation Alliance (AOCA) is a non-profit organisation based in South Africa, which promotes marine and shark conservation. AOCA is responsible for the RETHINK THE SHARK campaign, plus the award winning documentary, Sharks in Deep Trouble, and the satellite tagging and releasing of sharks from the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town. AOCA proactively encourages and lobbies for commercial and government policies and practices that provide sustainable marine conservation. By aligning with others that share its vision, and through conservation research and compelling public awareness initiatives, AOCA is dedicated to representing and preserving Africa’s marine resources. We are the Voice of the Oceans of Africa.
  Please also see Leslie Rochat's Shark Warrior blog page , which highlights her marine and shark conservation efforts, as well as local and international environmental issues -- including Leslie's award winning documentary -- "Sharks in Deep Trouble".
  http://www.leselyrochat.com
  See:  http://www.aoca.org.za/
  

  
  

• Dorsal Friends
  Dorsal Friends is a non-profit organization that was formed to raise public and political awareness to the ecological damage caused by the practice of "finning" sharks, with the goal of outlawing the sale of shark fins and products in the United States, beginning with municipalities in California.
  
  We are dedicated to protecting marine wildlife and the ocean through awareness, education, and by stimulating environmental activism.
  
  Dorsal Friends is currently circulating a petition to BAN THE SALE OF SHARK FINS AND PRODUCTS IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY. Although the practice of finning has been illegal in the U.S. since 2002, the importation and sale of shark fins is still legal; a loophole that we are trying to close. If passed, Los Angeles will be the first county in the nation to stop the sale of shark fins and products and will lead the way for the rest of the nation, setting a strong example globally.
  
  http://www.dorsalfriends.org/
  
  http://www.thepetitionsite.com/4/stop-shark-finning
  
  
  

  
  

• 
  Fiji Shark Conservation and Awareness Project
  As part of the International Year of the Shark, this organization is a partnership of Beqa Adventure Divers, the Shark Reef Marine Reserve and local and international organizations. The common goal is to raise global awareness of the imminent extinction of sharks and the oceanic crisis at hand.
  
  You can support their efforts by visiting the Shark Reef Marine Reserve for your next shark diving adventure or by supporting the Shark Foundation (link) which conducts valuable scientific shark research there. By visiting the Shark Reef Marine Reserve, you will not only have the experience of a lifetime, but will contribute to supporting the local villages who have agreed not to fish this reef and also protect the area from poachers.
  
  See:  http://www.fijisharkdive.com/
  

  
  

• The Global Shark Initiative- United Against Shark Exploitation
  The mission of The Global Shark Initiative is to achieve regulation of the shark fishing industry and the introduction of species specific quotas. By using public opinion and established means of communications we will be motivating our members to air their displeasure at merchants, fisheries, locales and services who continue to promote the exploitation and commerce of dwindling shark resources.
  
  Please join
  See:  http://theglobalsharkinitiative.ning.com/
  

  
  

• Oceanic Defense - Bringing Light to Our Ocean's Plight
  A global organization with members in more than 60 countries with 1 mission - healthy aquatic ecosystems free of human abuse and neglect. Oceanic Defense aims to change perception - to really show people that how we live our lives - whether near or far from the water - affects everything that happens in our oceans.
  
  To support their efforts, please sign up to become a member of the Aquatic Army, participate in their campaigns and spread the word!
  
  http://www.oceanicdefense.org/
  
  
  

  
  

• Oceanic Love
  Based in Hong Kong, Oceanic Love was established to increase awareness and help raise funding for organizations in the field of research and conservation. Being located at ‘Ground Zero’ of the shark fin industry, the over exploitation of sharks is one of our primary focal points. We are working to increase awareness within Hong Kong by bringing the facts directly to the general public with stands at key social events and monthly conservation articles in local magazines. Our expanding clothing line is based on the theme of "Fashion for Awareness". 20% of all sales go direct to a chosen recipient organization that is working on the front lines of conservation. Show your support by buying and wearing our Anti-sharks finning T-shirt and keep checking back for updates on our campaigns. Visit : www.oceaniclove.com/shop.html to buy a shirt!
  See:  http://www.oceaniclove.com
  

  
  

• PANGAEA SHARK PROJECT - Dedicated to Saving the Sharks
  Pangaea Shark Project is a satellite project of Mike Horn's Project Pangaea. Together with its network of young adults from around the world, Pangaea Shark Project aims to promote and take an active role in shark conservation by participating in shark research and other shark projects and raising awareness, especially among the youth in China.
  
  You can help Pangaea Shark Project by purchasing a shark conservation T-shirt (or several!) and asking your friends to do the same.
  
  The full Pangaea Shark Project website will be launched very soon.
  See:  http://www.shirts4sharks.com/
  

  
  

• Remove Shark Nets
  “Remove Shark Nets” is a campaign to act to remove the shark nets from QLD and NSW in Australia.
  
  Passionate locals from the Gold Coast (QLD), Tweed Coast (NSW), Byron Shire (NSW) and Sydney (NSW) have bound together and are working to expose the truth about the shark nets. Divers are checking the nets and are freeing captured marine life on a regular basis.
  
  This website aims to inform readers of the negative impacts of shark nets on sharks, dolphins, whales, dugongs, turtles and rays and many fish species with the Shark Control Program in QLD and Shark Meshing Program in NSW. We also hope to get your support to help these innocent marine species who have no voice and fall at the whim to our ingrained fear of sharks.
  
  We hope to educate people to abandon their fears about sharks and learn to live with the animals of this planet not against them. For the protection of one of the earths most undervalued species and the innocent marine life that falls victim to the shark nets…
  See:  http://www.removesharknets.com/
  

  
  

• Save the Blue - Hoover Environmental Foundation
  The Hoover Environmental Foundation aims to advance public understanding of and find solutions for water conservation issues. The focus of its current Save the Blue campaign is to Stop Shark Finning by supporting cutting edge Shark Research and Education projects.
  
  You can support Save the Blue's efforts by purchasing Save the Blue shark pendants, T-shirts or Messenger Bags. The proceeds will go towards the Shark Research projects listed on their website as well as the creation and distribution of a Chinese version of SharkWater with the goal of reaching 100 million Chinese viewers.
  
  http://www.savetheblue.org/
  
  
  

  
  

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  Sea Program
  Seaprogram Inc.'s mission is to become the internet's leading source of information on sharks and shark conservation for the world's youth.
  
  See:  http://www.seaprogram.org
  

  
  

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  Sea Stewards
  Celebrating: All ocean life from plankton to sharks; Educating: Raising awareness through film, print and web products for ocean advocacy; Motivating: To work for healthy oceans through individual and collective action. You can support Sea Stewards by signing this petition to Stop Shark Fin and Fin Products for sale in San Francisco:
  http://www.thepetitionsite.com/7/stop-shark-fin-and-fin-products-for-sale-in-san-francisco.html
  
  See:  http://www.seastewards.org/
  

  
  

• Shark Allies - Help the Sharks - Save the Ocean
  Shark Allies is a non-profit organization founded by Jimmy Hall and Stefanie Brendl of Hawaii Shark Encounters. Their goal is to bring together and combine the efforts of experts, researchers, educators, activists, volunteers, and all people who care in order to improve the current state of shark conservation and all related issues.
  
  Shark Allies provides positive shark PR to hundreds of tourists every year, changing attitudes towards sharks and dispelling the myths. In addition they are currently developing educational programs to promote ocean and shark conservation in Hawaii's schools. And they are supporting the work of shark researchers from the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology Shark Research Group.
  
  You can support Shark Allies by visiting them in Oahu for a shark cage dive or telling friends or family who may be planning a trip to Hawaii. You can also donate to Shark Allies to help them to continue funding Hawaiian Shark Research and Educational programs.
  
  http://www.sharkallies.org
  
  
  

  
  

• 
  Shark Angels
  The sharks are in desperate need of guardian angels, and we just might be their last hope. The Shark Angels represent three different conservation organizations, Save Our Seas, Sea Shepherd, and Shark Savers, that are working together, in an unprecedented way, to prove that regardless of approach, we can all work with one another – and that there are many ways to make a difference for sharks. The Angels are leading a grassroots campaign - combining their respective organizations' strengths in awareness, education, science, grassroots activism, and enforcement - to combat the myths about sharks, to expose the sad truth that many sharks are being chased towards extinction and to stop the global slaughter before it is too late. Simply put, we aim to save sharks... and we need your help.
  See:  http://www.sharkangels.com/
  

  
  

• Shark Foundation
  The Shark Foundation has been committed to the protection and research of sharks since 1997. This organization supports or manages a number of scientific research and educational projects, which serve to protect sharks. You can support the Shark Foundation's work by donating to help fund this valuable research. For each project there is a donation code, so that you can specify how your donation will be used. Please click on the logo to see details for each of the Shark Foundation's projects and donation instructions.
  
  http://www.shark.ch/Projects/index.html
  
  
  

  
  

• SharkFree Santa Barbara
  Our mission is to spread awareness about the importance of shark conservation. Think globally, act locally.
  
  The SharkFree Santa Barbara provides a full guide of restaurants and markets that sell shark products as well as Shark Free Alternatives that should be supported.
  
  SharkFree Santa Barbara is also working with local fishermen and distributors to find solutions and workable alternatives to help them to make a living without harvesting threatened shark species.
  See:  http://www.sharkfreesb.com/index.html
  

  
  

• Shark Project
  SHARKPROJECT is an all volunteer organization that is fighting on the very frontlines against the destruction of the seas and the extermination of sharks. This volunteer-based commitment to the protection of sharks and the marine ecosystem has been internationally recognized, including awards from the President of Germany, the German Central Institute for Social Concerns and the Egyptian government.
  
  And SHARKPROJECT is continuing to expand internationally, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, South Africa, Poland, the Maldives, and French Polynesia, and more.
  
  Campaigns:
  Stop Finning
  MORITURI TE SALUTANT (Stop Sales) - Campaign in German speaking Europe to stop sales of Spiny Dogfish.
  Methylmercury - Consumer education regarding mercury toxicity from seafood
  Children's programs in cooperation with United Nations Educational Programs - for 8 to 10 year old children to explain the marine food web; the vital important role of the sharks in the marine ecosystem; how to avoid methyl mercury toxicity from seafood consumption; and how to conserve the ecosystem on earth, by the contribution of every single person on the planet.
  Shark Guardian and Shark Enemy of the year awards - announced publicly at the Boot fair in Dusseldorf, Germany. Send in your nominations!
  Cooperation with exemplary aquariums
  Shark Images - annual shark photo contest
  
  You can help the Shark Project by:
  Volunteering for Shark Project to teach children about sharks (materials are available only in German at this time; English version coming soon)
  Becoming a Shark Project Patron or Sponsor http://www.sharkproject.org/Content.Node/mitmachen/foerderer--sponsoren.en.php
  
  http://www.sharkproject.org/Content.Node/index.en.php
  
  
  

  
  

• Shark Rescue
  Our mission is to protect sharks from extinction.
  
  We are using the power of education to cause lasting change. Once people understand how the shark trade is endangering both shark and non-shark species around the world, and how this affects human health, we believe they will change.
  
  Goals:
  See a sustained balance restored to the world's oceans.
  See the end of the shark trade.
  See a full moratorium on shark fisheries and the longlines that catch sharks and other 'bycatch'.
  Since we started Shark Rescue in Hong Kong, our local audacious goal is to see the city become the leader in marine conservation by the year 2020.
  
  You can support Shark Rescue by:
  Ordering a T-shirt - "Style, with teeth" - comes with a post card addressed to Hong Kong's Chief Executive with room to include your own personal message.
  Joining the Shark Rescue Business Network
  http://www.sharkrescue.com/business_network.html
  Watching the launch video and sharing it:
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPp9iyKEMNQ
  
  http://www.sharkrescue.com/
  
  
  

  
  

• 
  StopSharkFinning.net
  StopSharkFinning.net is surprisingly the effort of one person who is saddened by the destruction of sharks and the planet. This website and associated campaigns is an awesome example of what one person can do and an inspiration to all of us!
  
  Here's a quote from Duncan, the man behind StopSharkFinning.net: "There are few things that sadden a heart more than to know that you form part of the generation that is bringing the world to its end. Those who place profit higher than ecological well-being are denying your children, and all future generations, the chance to witness the beauty of a creature as magnificent as the shark. Those who treat the planet as a resource to be plundered live among us and I believe they should be challenged. Some of us believe we are powerless. But if we each assume our own personal responsibility to do our part to protect the planet and to fight for the survival of all its species, and ultimately the survival of our own, then we can achieve good things."
  
  You can support the efforts of StopSharkFinning.net by:
  
  Buying and wearing a Stop Shark Finning T-shirt
  http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/tshirt.htm
  Participating in StopSharkFinning campaigns and petitions -
  http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/campaigns.htm />
  
  See:  http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/
  

  
  

• Surface Watch - Where Your Dive Adventures Begin
  Surface Watch is a website that caters to scuba divers and dive centers. Surface Watch believes that helping marine conservation is an activity that every diver should participate in. They have sponsored a Hammerhead Shark "Daisy" through Iemanya Oceanica's Adopt-A-Shark program and are interested in doing more to promote shark conservation to divers and through divers.
  
  Please visit the Surface Watch website to find out how the team at Surface Watch are supporting the world's ocean and read about Daisy's adventure.
  See:  http://www.surfacewatch.com
  

  
  

• The Wyland Foundation
  The Wyland Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1993 by environmental marine life artist Wyland, is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s ocean, waterways, and marine life. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through education programs, life-size public arts projects, and community events. />
  
  See:  http://www.wylandfoundation.org/
  

  
  

• Underwater Journal
  Underwater Journal is an online Diving Adventure Magazine with the latest news on dive equipment, photography and travel. But what really sets this dive publication apart from all others is the Underwater Journal's focus on Marine Science and Conservation. UWJ is the most factual, reliable source around for information on important marine conservation issues. And its Editor, Walt Stearns, is personally involved in hands on scientific research and has spearheaded many marine conservation campaigns, including the recent successful campaign to protect Florida's Lemon Sharks. Use the link below to sign up for a free subscription.
  See:  http://www.underwaterjournal.com/
  

  
  

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  Utila Shark Research
  The Utila Whale Shark Research Project is an initial five-year study of the population dynamics and ethology of the whale sharks that visit Utila. Data is collected from visiting divers and snorkellers and from local fishermen, and this data can be accessed by researchers all over the world to aid in the conservation of these gentle giants. You can help by sending your whale shark photos, which will be added to a database that utilizes pattern-recognition software to track sightings of whale sharks throughout the Caribbean. />
  
  See:  http://www.utilawhalesharkresearch.com/
  

  
  
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