Shark research and protection campaigns led by Turtle Island Restoration Network, home of the Sea Turtle Restoration Project, include the ongoing tagging of hammerhead sharks in Cocos Island National Park.

With support from hundreds of Sea Turtle Restoration Project members, the bill to ban the possession or sale of shark fins in California was signed into law today by Governor Jerry Brown. The work to pass AB 376 involved cooperative efforts all year and included local, national, and international support.

California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii and Guam have now all passed laws banning shark fins, creating a virtual blockade against the trade of shark fins along the entire U.S. West Coast out into the Pacific Ocean.

STRP's parent nonprofit, Turtle Island Restoration Network, has proudly supported global efforts to protect sharks through partnership in Costa Rica with award-winning conservation leader Randall Arauz of PRETOMA, and just this month has secured a new partnership with California shark researcher and advocate David McGuire, founder of Sea Stewards. David has spearheaded efforts for a ban on shark fins in California for several years, and worked tirelessly to pass AB 376. Sea Stewards recently merged with Turtle Island Restoration Network in order to increase the effectiveness of both organizations in protecting and restoring marine life.  

We will continue to work to protect sharks, stop shark finning, and protect all marine biodiversity with our efforts in California, Costa Rica, and across the oceans.