Cover photo: Christian Vizl
July: Shark Month, 10 years celebrating marine life
Every July, the Mexican coasts, and especially the state of Quintana Roo, become the stage for one of the most significant celebrations for marine conservation: Shark Month. This initiative, promoted for a decade by the foundation Saving Our Sharks, It brings together institutions, authorities, civil society organizations (CSOs), specialists and communities committed to the protection of the ocean, especially one of its most emblematic species: the shark.
See schedule for July 2025 – National Shark Month
Why dedicate a month to the shark?
Sharks are a keystone species for ecological balance. As apex predators, they maintain population control in the marine food chain, preventing imbalances that can affect the entire ecosystem. However, their image has historically been misrepresented, generating fear and misinformation that have contributed to overfishing and the deterioration of their habitats.
That's why, for the last ten years, July has become a space to change this narrative. July 14th, International Shark Awareness Day, This is the central point of this commemoration, which is already part of the Quintana Roo State Agenda since 2021. Thanks to the leadership of the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (SEMA) Thanks to the participation of multiple allies, this initiative has managed to position the shark as a symbol of conservation and ecosystem vision.
Growing from State to National: Shark Month
What began as a state proposal in Quintana Roo is growing by leaps and bounds. In 2025, and with the support of federal, state and municipal alliances as CONAPESCA, CONANP, IMIPAS, and various participants, the official declaration of the National Shark Month, in collaboration with the Mexican Society of Cartilaginous Fishes (SOMEPEC).
This progress represents a unique opportunity to extend awareness and action in favor of sharks throughout the country, recognizing their ecological value and promoting sustainable practices from the local to the national level.
More than 50 activities across the country
During Shark Month, more than 50 in-person and virtual activities take place, many of them designed to be multigenerational, involving children, young people, adults and seniors in an educational and participatory experience.
See schedule for July 2025 – National Shark Month
The program includes:
Scientific forums and public conferences, with the participation of national and international experts.
Recreational and educational activities, such as workshops, exhibitions, screenings and community activities.
Awareness campaigns, focused on good practices for marine life, reducing plastic consumption, responsible fishing and conscious tourism.
Scientific dissemination, which brings knowledge about sharks and their importance closer to the general population.
All this with a clear focus: to learn and act together for sustainable development that respects marine biodiversity.
A decade of community achievements
These ten years of commemorating Shark Month have witnessed a sustained growth in environmental awareness among many coastal communities, fishermen, students, and citizens committed to the ocean. Thanks to the combined efforts of diverse sectors, success stories have emerged that demonstrate that conservation is indeed possible when working collaboratively.
Thank you for joining
The widespread participation of the community has transformed Shark Month into a movement for marine life, respect for our ecosystems, and a future in harmony with the ocean. Every action counts, from getting informed to participating in activities, sharing knowledge, or changing daily habits.
Thank you to all the people, institutions, and communities that make this celebration possible year after year. Because protecting sharks is protecting the health of our oceans… and the entire planet.
See programming for July 2025 – Shark Month Mexico
