{"id":10376,"date":"2026-06-04T12:14:02","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T18:14:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.savingoursharks.org\/?p=10376"},"modified":"2026-07-08T14:32:24","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T20:32:24","slug":"saving-our-sharks-cumple-16-anos-un-movimiento-que-transforma-vidas-y-salva-tiburones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.savingoursharks.org\/en\/saving-our-sharks-cumple-16-anos-un-movimiento-que-transforma-vidas-y-salva-tiburones\/","title":{"rendered":"Saving Our Sharks turns 16: a movement that transforms lives and saves sharks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cover Photo: Second Wave Ocean Images<\/p>\n

Sixteen years ago, a change began to take shape in the Mexican Caribbean that did not originate from a single institution or a single project, but from a convergence between: scientists, divers, fishermen and civil organizations that agreed on the same idea\u2014sharks were not a resource to be extracted without limits, but an essential piece of the marine balance that had to be understood, protected and valued.<\/p>\n

That vision found its expression in Saving Our Sharks, an initiative that, over time, became a bridge between scientific knowledge and community action. Its story is also the story of a profound cultural transformation in the relationship between people and the ocean.<\/p>\n

The origin of a new perspective (2010)<\/h2>\n

In 2010, Saving Our Sharks AC was formalized, bringing together biologists, divers, and conservationists with a clear objective: to change the narrative about sharks in the Mexican Caribbean.<\/p>\n

This process was not insignificant. It involved federal and environmental institutions such as SAGARPA<\/a>, CONAPESCA<\/a>, SECTUR<\/a>, CONANP<\/a> and the Cozumel National Park<\/a>, as well as to multiple dive centers in the region: Phantom Divers, Alberto's Scuba, Pepe Dive Center, UWE Underwater Expeditions, Phocea M\u00e9xico, Dive Mike, Yucatek Diver, Pro dive, Buceo Xtabay, Dressel Divers, Solo Buceo, Scuba Libre, Scuba Maroma, Playa Scuba, Scuba 10, Pluto Dive, WetSet, Deep Down Media, Sand Dollar Sports, Scuba Maroma, M\u00e9xico Blue Dream, Ecodiving Tours, DiveMex, Dive Zone, Bullsharks Diving Center, Dos Ojos Scuba, O2 M\u00e9xico, Reef Marina, Playa Diving Center, Dive Life<\/p>\n

The key to this stage was collaboration: for the first time, conservation ceased to be an isolated action and became a shared effort, with common rules, agreements, and objectives.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Science that becomes management (2013\u20132016)<\/h2>\n

The next major leap forward occurred when science began to be directly integrated into decision-making. In 2013, acoustic telemetry systems were implemented, along with the first bull shark tagging, allowing researchers to understand their routes, movement patterns, and behavior. This initiative was led by Dr. Mauricio Hoyos, one of the Foundation's advisors.<\/p>\n

A year later, the Good Practices Manual for Bull Shark Diving was developed in collaboration with operators, experts, and authorities. This document not only regulated a growing tourist activity but also established a standard for responsible interaction with the species.<\/p>\n

The process culminated in 2016 with the decree establishing the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve as a Protected Natural Area, where these community and scientific advances were incorporated into the official management framework. This confirmed that the model worked.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Consolidation of a model (2017\u20132019)<\/h2>\n

Between 2017 and 2019, the work was expanded with studies conducted in coordination with CONANP (National Commission of Natural Protected Areas) on breeding areas, population dynamics, and the regulation of scuba diving tourism. At the same time, training programs were strengthened, reaching hundreds of divers each season and reinforcing safe and responsible practices.<\/p>\n

In 2019, a satellite tagging campaign for tiger sharks was carried out in conjunction with MOTE Marine Laboratory<\/a> It expanded the scope of scientific knowledge about pelagic species, connecting the Mexican Caribbean with global research networks.<\/p>\n

The expansion towards a transformation model (2021\u20132025)<\/h2>\n

In 2021, the Saving Our Sharks Foundation was formally established with an international vision and the Isla Mujeres Shark Initiative. Its objective was clear: to transform the relationship with sharks from their extraction to their conservation, through the reconversion of the fishing sector.<\/p>\n

From this process emerged the Kab Xok Cooperative, made up of fishermen with generations of history at sea who decided to transition to sustainable tourism. They became "Masters of the Sea," protagonists of a new economy based on conservation.<\/p>\n

In the following years, the project gained scientific and global recognition. In 2023, the first ultrasound study of bull sharks in the region was published, and a visit from Dr. Sylvia Earle reinforced its international relevance. Simultaneously, Shark Month was integrated into the state's environmental agenda, with more than 116 partnerships and dozens of educational and community activities.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A visible impact on the ocean (2025\u20132026)<\/h2>\n

Today, the results are measurable. The Isla Mujeres Shark Initiative has contributed to the protection of more than 30,000 sharks in just a few years, demonstrating that science and community can generate real impacts on the recovery of marine ecosystems.<\/p>\n

In Playa del Carmen, bull shark sightings have doubled. In Cozumel, after decades, species such as hammerhead, tiger, and reef sharks have reappeared. In Isla Mujeres, the presence of sharks is becoming increasingly frequent, also strengthening specialized tourism.<\/p>\n

This change has directly benefited dozens of local families, trained in tourism, diving and sustainable operation, generating new economic opportunities without depending on extraction.<\/p>\n

In 2026, the Foundation continues to evolve, solidifying its recognition and support as a key player in marine conservation. A clear example of this growth was the success of the Intersectoral Meeting for Marine Conservation, organized by Saving Our Sharks. This event brought together representatives from government, the tourism sector, education, and local communities to reaffirm their commitment to ocean protection. During the meeting, new strategies were explored to strengthen marine conservation and promote a sustainable development model based on collaboration, science, and the well-being of coastal communities, thus fostering a healthier and more prosperous ocean for everyone.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Sixteen years later, Saving Our Sharks is not just an organization, but a movement that has reshaped the relationship between people and the sea. A process that has shifted from fishing to conservation, from uncertainty to knowledge, and from extractive exploitation to a regenerative economy.<\/p>\n

The Mexican Caribbean has not only seen a return of sharks: it has also rediscovered a new way of understanding their value. And with that, the certainty that the future of the ocean can be built together.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Foto de Portada: Second Wave Ocean Images Hace diecis\u00e9is a\u00f1os comenz\u00f3 a tomar forma en el Caribe Mexicano un cambio que no naci\u00f3 de una sola instituci\u00f3n ni de un \u00fanico proyecto, sino de una convergencia entre: cient\u00edficos, buzos, pescadores y organizaciones civiles que coincidieron en una misma idea\u2014los tiburones no eran un recurso a extraer sin l\u00edmites, sino una pieza esencial del equilibrio marino que deb\u00eda comprenderse, protegerse y valorar. Esa visi\u00f3n encontr\u00f3 su punto de articulaci\u00f3n en Saving Our Sharks, una iniciativa que, con el tiempo, se convirti\u00f3 en un puente entre el conocimiento cient\u00edfico y la acci\u00f3n comunitaria. Su historia es tambi\u00e9n la historia de una transformaci\u00f3n cultural profunda en la relaci\u00f3n entre las personas y el oc\u00e9ano. El origen de una nueva mirada (2010) En 2010 se formaliza Saving Our Sharks A.C., reuniendo a bi\u00f3logos, buzos y conservacionistas con un objetivo claro: cambiar la narrativa sobre los tiburones en el Caribe Mexicano. Este proceso no fue menor. Involucr\u00f3 a instituciones federales y ambientales como SAGARPA, CONAPESCA, SECTUR, CONANP y el Parque Nacional de Cozumel, as\u00ed como a m\u00faltiples centros de buceo de la regi\u00f3n: Phantom Divers, Alberto\u2019s Scuba, Pepe Dive Center ,UWE Underwater Expeditions,Phocea M\u00e9xico, Dive Mike, Yucatek Diver, Pro dive, Buceo Xtabay, Dressel Divers, Solo Buceo, Scuba Libre, Scuba Maroma, Playa Scuba, Scuba 10, Pluto Dive, WetSet, Deep Down Media, Sand Dollar Sports, Scuba Maroma , M\u00e9xico Blue Dream, Ecodiving Tours, DiveMex, Dive Zone, Bullsharks Diving Center, Dos Ojos Scuba, O2 M\u00e9xico, Reef Marina, Playa Diving Center, Dive Life La clave de esta etapa fue la colaboraci\u00f3n: por primera vez, la conservaci\u00f3n dej\u00f3 de ser una acci\u00f3n aislada para convertirse en un esfuerzo compartido, con reglas, acuerdos y objetivos comunes. Ciencia que se convierte en gesti\u00f3n (2013\u20132016) El siguiente gran salto ocurri\u00f3 cuando la ciencia comenz\u00f3 a integrarse directamente en la toma de decisiones. En 2013 se implementaron sistemas de telemetr\u00eda ac\u00fastica y los primeros marcajes de tibur\u00f3n toro, lo que permiti\u00f3 comprender sus rutas, patrones de movimiento y comportamiento. Un actividad liderada por uno de los consejeros de la Fundaci\u00f3n el Dr. Mauricio Hoyos. Un a\u00f1o despu\u00e9s, se desarroll\u00f3 el Manual de Buenas Pr\u00e1cticas para el buceo con tibur\u00f3n toro, construido junto con operadores, expertos y autoridades. Este documento no solo regul\u00f3 una actividad tur\u00edstica creciente, sino que estableci\u00f3 un est\u00e1ndar de interacci\u00f3n responsable con la especie. El proceso culmin\u00f3 en 2016 con el decreto del \u00c1rea Natural Protegida Reserva de la Biosfera del Caribe Mexicano, donde estos avances comunitarios y cient\u00edficos fueron incorporados al marco oficial de manejo. Era la confirmaci\u00f3n de que el modelo funcionaba. Consolidaci\u00f3n de un modelo (2017\u20132019) Entre 2017 y 2019, el trabajo se profundiz\u00f3 con estudios en coordinaci\u00f3n con la CONANP sobre \u00e1reas de crianza, din\u00e1mica poblacional y regulaci\u00f3n del turismo de buceo. Al mismo tiempo, se fortalecieron programas de capacitaci\u00f3n que llegaron a cientos de buzos por temporada, consolidando pr\u00e1cticas seguras y responsables. En 2019, una campa\u00f1a de marcaje satelital de tibur\u00f3n tigre realizada junto con MOTE Marine Laboratory ampli\u00f3 el alcance del conocimiento cient\u00edfico sobre especies pel\u00e1gicas, conectando el Caribe Mexicano con redes de investigaci\u00f3n global. La expansi\u00f3n hacia un modelo de transformaci\u00f3n (2021\u20132025) En 2021 surge formalmente Saving Our Sharks Foundation con una visi\u00f3n internacional y la Iniciativa Tibur\u00f3n de Isla Mujeres. Su objetivo era claro: transformar la relaci\u00f3n con el tibur\u00f3n desde su extracci\u00f3n hacia su conservaci\u00f3n, mediante la reconversi\u00f3n del sector pesquero. De este proceso nace la Cooperativa Kab Xok, integrada por pescadores con generaciones de historia en el mar que deciden transitar hacia el turismo sostenible. Se convierten en \u201cMaestros del Mar\u201d, protagonistas de una nueva econom\u00eda basada en la conservaci\u00f3n. En los a\u00f1os siguientes, el proyecto gana reconocimiento cient\u00edfico y global. En 2023 se publica el primer estudio con ultrasonido en tibur\u00f3n toro en la regi\u00f3n y la visita de la Dra. Sylvia Earle refuerza su relevancia internacional. Paralelamente, el Mes del Tibur\u00f3n se integra a la agenda ambiental estatal, con m\u00e1s de 116 alianzas y decenas de actividades educativas y comunitarias. Un impacto visible en el oc\u00e9ano (2025\u20132026) Hoy, los resultados son medibles. La Iniciativa Tibur\u00f3n de Isla Mujeres ha contribuido a la protecci\u00f3n de m\u00e1s de 30 mil tiburones en pocos a\u00f1os, demostrando que la ciencia y la comunidad pueden generar impactos reales en la recuperaci\u00f3n de los ecosistemas marinos. En Playa del Carmen, los avistamientos de tibur\u00f3n toro se han duplicado. En Cozumel, despu\u00e9s de d\u00e9cadas, han reaparecido especies como el tibur\u00f3n martillo, tigre y de arrecife. En Isla Mujeres, la presencia de tiburones es cada vez m\u00e1s frecuente, fortaleciendo tambi\u00e9n el turismo especializado. Este cambio ha beneficiado directamente a decenas de familias locales, capacitadas en turismo, buceo y operaci\u00f3n sostenible, generando nuevas oportunidades econ\u00f3micas sin depender de la extracci\u00f3n. En 2026, la Fundaci\u00f3n contin\u00faa evolucionando, consolidando su reconocimiento y respaldo como un actor clave en la conservaci\u00f3n marina. Un claro ejemplo de este crecimiento fue el \u00e9xito de la Reuni\u00f3n Intersectorial por la Conservaci\u00f3n Marina, organizada por Saving Our Sharks, un espacio que reuni\u00f3 a representantes del gobierno, el sector tur\u00edstico, el \u00e1mbito educativo y las comunidades locales para reafirmar su compromiso con la protecci\u00f3n del oc\u00e9ano. Durante el encuentro se exploraron nuevas estrategias para fortalecer la conservaci\u00f3n marina y promover un modelo de desarrollo sostenible basado en la colaboraci\u00f3n, la ciencia y el bienestar de las comunidades costeras, impulsando as\u00ed un oc\u00e9ano m\u00e1s saludable y pr\u00f3spero para el todxs. Diecis\u00e9is a\u00f1os despu\u00e9s, Saving Our Sharks no es solo una organizaci\u00f3n, sino un movimiento que ha reconfigurado la relaci\u00f3n entre las personas y el mar. Un proceso que pas\u00f3 de la pesca a la conservaci\u00f3n, de la incertidumbre al conocimiento y del aprovechamiento extractivo a una econom\u00eda regenerativa. El Caribe Mexicano no solo ha recuperado presencia de tiburones: ha recuperado una nueva forma de entender su valor. Y con ello, la certeza de que el futuro del oc\u00e9ano puede construirse de manera compartida.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":10380,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10376","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.savingoursharks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10376","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.savingoursharks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.savingoursharks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.savingoursharks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.savingoursharks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10376"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.savingoursharks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10376\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10379,"href":"https:\/\/www.savingoursharks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10376\/revisions\/10379"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.savingoursharks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10380"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.savingoursharks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10376"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.savingoursharks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10376"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.savingoursharks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10376"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}