{"id":8197,"date":"2025-07-11T17:08:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T23:08:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.savingoursharks.org\/?p=8197"},"modified":"2026-03-04T08:29:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T15:29:19","slug":"shark-month-2025-a-national-movement-in-mexico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.savingoursharks.org\/en\/shark-month-2025-a-national-movement-in-mexico\/","title":{"rendered":"Shark Month 2025: A National Movement in Mexico"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cover photo by Greg Lauhon<\/span><\/p>\n

July: Shark Month \u2013 Celebrating Marine Life for 10 Years<\/h2>\n

Every July, the Mexican coastline\u2014particularly the state of Quintana Roo\u2014becomes the stage for one of the most meaningful marine conservation efforts: Shark Month. This initiative, led by the Saving Our Sharks<\/em> Foundation for the past decade, brings together institutions, authorities, civil society organizations, experts, and communities committed to protecting the ocean\u2014especially one of its most iconic species: the shark.<\/p>\n

See the activities program<\/a><\/h3>\n

Why Dedicate a Month to Sharks?<\/h3>\n

Sharks are keystone species critical to maintaining ecological balance. As apex predators, they regulate marine food chains, preventing imbalances that can disrupt entire ecosystems. Unfortunately, sharks have long been misunderstood and vilified, leading to fear, misinformation, overfishing, and the degradation of their habitats.<\/p>\n

For this reason, July has become a month to shift the narrative. At the heart of the celebration is July 14: International Shark Awareness Day<\/strong>\u2014a date that, since 2021, has been part of Quintana Roo's official environmental agenda. Thanks to the leadership of the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (SEMA)<\/strong> and the collaboration of numerous allies, sharks have come to symbolize not only conservation but also a broader ecosystem-based approach to environmental stewardship.<\/p>\n

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From Statewide to Nationwide: Shark Month Expands<\/h3>\n

What began as a state-level initiative in Quintana Roo is now scaling nationally. In 2025, with the support of federal, state, and municipal partners\u2014including CONAPESCA, CONANP, IMIPAS<\/strong>, and others\u2014efforts are underway to officially declare July as National Shark Month<\/strong>, in collaboration with the Mexican Society for Cartilaginous Fishes (SOMEPEC).<\/strong><\/p>\n

This national expansion represents a significant opportunity to raise awareness and foster action across the country, highlighting the ecological importance of sharks and promoting sustainable practices from local communities to national policy.<\/p>\n

Over 50 Activities Across the Country<\/h3>\n

Shark Month features more than 50 in-person and virtual activities, many designed to be intergenerational\u2014engaging children, youth, adults, and seniors alike in educational and participatory experiences.<\/p>\n

See the activities program<\/a><\/h3>\n

The program includes:<\/p>\n