For more than a decade, the Foundation Saving our Sharks It has led shark conservation and marine research in the Mexican Caribbean. With the strong support of government agencies, local communities, and the private sector in Quintana Roo and throughout Mexico, our non-profit organization continues to lead the protection of these vital apex predators.
In 2021, the Foundation launched one of its most transformative initiatives to date: the Isla Mujeres Shark Initiative. This pioneering project supports local fishing cooperatives on Isla Mujeres, helping traditional shark fishermen transition from fishing to sustainable livelihoods such as ecotourism, citizen science, and marine monitoring.
These fishermen, “masters of the sea,” have taken on a new role: protecting the species they once fished for. By voluntarily removing 80% from their fishing gear, they have become defenders of ocean health, contributing to the recovery of shark populations, essential for the balance of marine ecosystems.
Why is it important? Sharks play a crucial biological role. They maintain the health of fish populations by preying on the weakest and sickest individuals, thus ensuring the resilience and biodiversity of marine life. Their presence is a sign of a thriving ocean, and their absence can spell disaster for entire ecosystems.
2025 Results: Results That Matter
- Two years and eight months without shark fishing in Isla Mujeres, a historic achievement after three generations of subsistence dependent on sharks.
- Thousands of sharks saved, giving key species time and space to recover.
- A vibrant return of marine life: An increase in shark sightings has been reported in ecotourism centers such as Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
- Eight years of active shark monitoring in collaboration with local communities.
- A transformed fishing community: fishermen have received training in diving, wildlife monitoring and marine tour operations, becoming skilled guardians and educators of the ocean.
- A growing conservation network: Our search for shark breeding habitats has led to the protection of these critical areas, supported by national partnerships and collaborations.
- Strong government collaboration has helped to expand and sustain these efforts.
- A fully equipped vessel, led by the Kab Xok Cooperative, now operates to conduct ecological monitoring and environmental education tours throughout the region.
Global reach, local impact
Sharks know no borders, and neither does our work. Several of the species we help protect migrate between Mexico, the United States, and South America, making the impact of this initiative both regional and international.
The ripple effect is clear: healthy shark populations contribute to healthier oceans, which in turn boosts tourism, fishing, and coastal economies. This is not just a conservation story, but a community success story, and we are proud to share it with the world.
Join the Movement
You don't have to be on a boat to make a difference. If you're diving, snorkeling, or sailing in the Mexican Caribbean, you can help. reporting your shark sightings. Each report enriches our growing database, supporting scientific research and the ongoing efforts of our ocean guardians.
Together, we can ensure that the legacy of the “masters of the sea” endures, not as hunters, but as protectors of underwater life.
Help us protect sharks. Report your shark sightings HERE and be part of the solution.
