Shark Month 2025: A National Movement in Mexico
- Cris Lopez
Cover photo by Greg Lauhon
July: Shark Month – Celebrating Marine Life for 10 Years
Every July, the Mexican coastline—particularly the state of Quintana Roo—becomes the stage for one of the most meaningful marine conservation efforts: Shark Month. This initiative, led by the Saving Our Sharks Foundation for the past decade, brings together institutions, authorities, civil society organizations, experts, and communities committed to protecting the ocean—especially one of its most iconic species: the shark.
See the activities program
Why Dedicate a Month to Sharks?
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.
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—a 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) and the collaboration of numerous allies, sharks have come to symbolize not only conservation but also a broader ecosystem-based approach to environmental stewardship.
From Statewide to Nationwide: Shark Month Expands
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—including CONAPESCA, CONANP, IMIPAS, and others—efforts are underway to officially declare July as National Shark Month, in collaboration with the Mexican Society for Cartilaginous Fishes (SOMEPEC).
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.
Over 50 Activities Across the Country
Shark Month features more than 50 in-person and virtual activities, many designed to be intergenerational—engaging children, youth, adults, and seniors alike in educational and participatory experiences.
See the activities program
The program includes:
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Scientific forums and public lectures, featuring both national and international experts.
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Educational and recreational activities such as workshops, exhibitions, film screenings, and community events.
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Awareness campaigns, focused on sustainable marine practices, reducing plastic consumption, responsible fishing, and conscious tourism.
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Science communication, bringing shark-related knowledge to the general public in accessible and engaging ways.
All activities are united under a clear objective: to learn and act together for a sustainable future that respects marine biodiversity.
A Decade of Community-Driven Achievements
Over the past ten years, Shark Month has contributed to a growing environmental awareness in coastal communities, among fishers, students, and citizens committed to the ocean. Thanks to a collaborative, cross-sector approach, successful conservation stories have emerged—proof that meaningful change is possible when we work together.
Thank You for Being Part of This
Thanks to broad public participation, Shark Month has evolved into a national movement for marine life, ecosystem respect, and a future in harmony with the ocean. Every action matters—from getting informed and participating in events to sharing knowledge or adopting more sustainable habits.
We thank every individual, institution, and community that makes this celebration possible year after year. Because protecting sharks means protecting the health of our oceans—and our entire planet.
