Current Projects and Goals

We are in the very beginning phases of organization and planning of Shark Allies. While we are still trying to build a solid foundation by recruiting members, advisors and volunteers, we are making an effort to take some action. After all, the reason we started Shark Allies is to make a difference, somehow.

The initial steps may be small, but they will lead to bigger projects. For now we just had to find a start.

Current Projects

Shark Handout – Shark Facts Everyone Should Know

Since most people probably won’t read a whole book about sharks and may not spend the time to go to websites to read about the demise of sharks, we decided to make a simple handout that brings across the essence of the issues.

At this point it is just a simple 4 page black and white copy that outlines the most important facts about sharks, shark attacks, the myths and the most pressing issues of shark finning and long lining, as well as some suggestions on how to get involved.
It is handed out on the Hawaii Shark Encounters tour, to every guest that has gone on a shark viewing tour. Since they will have just had a personal experience with sharks, we hope they will be open to receiving more information, and ultimately change their views about sharks forever. We hope to expand this to other businesses and venues.

Down the line this will hopefully evolve into a color brochure that can be distributed to a broader audience.

Goals for the Immediate Future

Shark related resources for schools:
We would like to start a program that will help improve the subject of ocean and shark conservation in the schools of Hawaii.

The first practical step will be to purchase shark books that can be donated to the libraries.

Meanwhile, with the input and help of experts and educators, we will try to identify and evaluate the current extent of existing classes and programs. There are schools that are a lot more pro-active than others, and there are teachers that are already working hard to include the subject of ocean conservation. We can lend a hand and help to expand their resources further.

This subject is very complex and far-reaching and can probably be attacked from many angles. What is mentioned here are just a few initial ideas.

We are also working on a multi-media presentation that can be shown by volunteers and/or teachers.

Down the line we would also like to find a way to support volunteers that are keen to get involved by helping them go through educational programs such as the ones offered by Mote Marine Laboratory.

Link to
Mote Marine Laboratory - http://www.mote.org/

Hawaii Shark Research

Kim Holland and Carl Meyers from the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology Shark Research Group are two of the dedicated and extremely knowledgeable shark experts in Hawaii.  (link to http://www.hawaii.edu/HIMB/sharklab/)

Carl Meyers is conducting shark tagging programs that follow the movement and migration of Hawaiian sharks. This information is extremely valuable for shark research. However, shark research is sadly underfunded.

We would like to find ways to support and expand his programs and studies, as well as other shark research in the Hawaiian Islands.

The current project of tagging North Shore Oahu sharks has resulted in some surprising information about sandbar sharks and galapagos sharks.

When official results are available for publication, and with permission of Carl Meyers we will provide the information on this site.

Last year, some of the monetary support for the project came from the two shark tour companies in Haleiwa – Hawaii Shark Encounters and North Shore Shark Adventures.
But the research has to continue for several more years, so we hope that Shark Allies can become a major sponsor.

Nothing Works Without the Mighty Dollar

For all of the above, and more, it comes down to funding.
Fundraising ideas and capable individuals that know how to pursue grants and funding are desperately needed!

We hope to plan some events this year to get started.