Saving Our Sharks 16 Years
Cover Photo: Second Wave Ocean Images
Sixteen years ago, a transformation began to take shape in the Mexican Caribbean. It did not emerge from a single institution or project, but from a convergence of scientists, divers, fishers, and civil society organizations united by one shared belief: sharks were not a resource to be extracted without limits, but an essential part of marine balance—one that needed to be understood, protected, and valued.
That vision found its point of connection 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.
The Beginning of a New Perspective (2010)
In 2010, Saving Our Sharks A.C. was formally established, bringing together biologists, divers, and conservationists with a clear objective: to change the narrative surrounding sharks in the Mexican Caribbean.
This process was significant. It involved federal and environmental institutions such as SAGARPA, CONAPESCA, SECTUR, CONANP y el Cozumel National Park, as well as numerous dive centers across the region: Phantom Divers, Alberto’s Scuba, Pepe Dive Center, UWE Underwater Expeditions, Phocea México, 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, México Blue Dream, Ecodiving Tours, DiveMex, Dive Zone, Bullsharks Diving Center, Dos Ojos Scuba, O2 México, Reef Marina, Playa Diving Center, and Dive Life.
The defining element of this stage was collaboration. For the first time, conservation shifted from isolated action into a shared effort with common rules, agreements, and objectives.
Science Driving Management (2013–2016)
The next major leap came when science became directly integrated into decision-making. In 2013, acoustic telemetry systems and the first bull shark tagging efforts were implemented, allowing researchers to better understand migration routes, movement patterns, and behavior. This initiative was led by one of the Foundation’s advisors, Dr. Mauricio Hoyos.
A year later, the Best Practices Manual for Bull Shark Diving was developed in collaboration with operators, experts, and authorities. This document not only regulated a growing tourism activity but also established a standard for responsible interaction with the species.
The process culminated in 2016 with the declaration of the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve Protected Natural Area, where these scientific and community-driven advances were incorporated into the official management framework. It was confirmation that the model worked.
Consolidating a Model (2017–2019)
Between 2017 and 2019, efforts deepened through studies conducted in coordination with CONANP on nursery areas, population dynamics, and the regulation of shark diving tourism. At the same time, training programs expanded, reaching hundreds of divers each season and reinforcing safe and responsible practices.
In 2019, a tiger shark satellite tagging campaign conducted in collaboration with MOTE Marine Laboratory broadened scientific understanding of pelagic species, connecting the Mexican Caribbean to global research networks.
Expanding Toward a Transformation Model (2021–2025)
In 2021, Fundación Saving Our Sharks was formally established with an international vision, alongside the launch of the Iniciativa Tiburón Isla Mujeres. Its mission was clear: to transform the relationship with sharks from extraction to conservation through the transition of the fishing sector.
From this process emerged Cooperativa Kab Xok, made up of fishers with generations of history at sea who chose to transition toward sustainable tourism. They became the Maestros del Mar, leaders of a new conservation-based economy.
In the years that followed, the project gained scientific and global recognition. In 2023, the first bull shark ultrasound study in the region was published, and the visit of Dr. Sylvia Earle reinforced its international relevance.
At the same time, Shark Month became part of the state and nation’s environmental agenda, supported by more than 116 partnerships and dozens of educational and community activities.
A Visible Impact in the Ocean (2025–2026)
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 collaboration can create real impacts in marine ecosystem recovery.
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, shark presence continues to increase, further strengthening specialized tourism.
This transformation has directly benefited dozens of local families, who have been trained in tourism, diving, and sustainable operations, creating new economic opportunities without relying on extraction.
In 2026, the Foundation continues to evolve, strengthening its recognition and support as a key leader 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, educational institutions, and local communities to reaffirm their commitment to ocean protection. During the gathering, participants explored new strategies to strengthen marine conservation and promote a sustainable development model rooted in collaboration, science, and the well-being of coastal communities—helping build a healthier and more prosperous ocean for all.
Sixteen years later, Saving Our Sharks is no longer just an organization—it is a movement that transform lives, by saving sharks. It is a story of transformation: from fishing to conservation, from uncertainty to knowledge, and from extractive practices to a regenerative economy.
The Mexican Caribbean has not only seen the return of sharks—it has rediscovered a new way of understanding their value. And with that comes the certainty that the future of the ocean can be built together.
