Saving Our Sharks Foundation

What Saving Our Sharks Foundation does

Saving Our Sharks Foundation is a US-incorporated 501(c)(3) public charity (Tax ID 87-0921468) headquartered in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, with an affiliated Mexican operating entity (Saving Our Sharks A.C., Asociación Civil) that runs conservation programs in the Mexican Caribbean. Founded approximately in 2010, the foundation's mission is to protect shark populations by supporting the transition of traditional shark-fishing communities into conservation stewards. Its flagship program, the Isla Mujeres Shark Initiative launched in 2021, partners with the Kab Xok Cooperative of 28 'Masters of the Sea' fishermen who voluntarily retired 80% of their shark fishing gear to take up marine monitoring, vigilance, and ecotourism.

The foundation's core product offerings include the Shark Safari eco-tourism experience operated through Kab Xok Cooperative (a snorkel-with-sharks expedition led by former fishermen), a five-tier symbolic Adopt-a-Shark program ($5/month Shark Supporter through a $2,500 Shark Explorer tier with shark-naming rights and researcher Q&A access), and a Shark Research and Internship Program built on satellite tagging, GPS tracking, and BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) systems used for population assessment in the Mexican Caribbean. Supporting revenue lines include branded merchandise sold at $20-$40, co-branded partner products (VANS, Wanderlust, Pali Jewelry, Raíz Nativa, Cesar Menchaca art) where roughly 10% of sales are donated to the foundation, cause-marketing campaigns such as Deadhead Rum's 'Caribbean Shark Revivor' cocktail, the Night for Sharks annual art auction, and direct donations that are tax-deductible for US donors.

The foundation operates a multi-channel go-to-market combining direct-to-consumer e-commerce (own storefront plus a Mexican peso store), B2B corporate Shark Hero partnerships across hospitality, cosmetics, aquarium, retail, and food/beverage verticals (Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets, ISDIN, Gran Acuario Michin, Chedraui), and earned media in outlets such as Forbes, Green Matters, and El Heraldo de México. Government engagement with CONAPESCA, CONANP, SEMA, and SOMEPEC anchors Shark Month as an official state agenda item in Quintana Roo. Impact metrics reported in coverage include 30,000+ sharks saved in Quintana Roo over the past four years and 20,000+ saved between 2022 and 2023. Leadership comprises Luis Lombardo (Executive Director), José Luis Funes (CEO), Alejandro Zozaya (President), Cristina Balcázar Escalera (Project Manager/Shark Hero Coordinator), and Angelica Arenzana (Development Manager), supported by a team of approximately five employees.

Name

Saving Our Sharks Foundation

Legal name

Saving Our Sharks Foundation Inc.

Website

https://savingoursharksfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Saving Our Sharks Foundation is a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit that protects shark populations in the Mexican Caribbean by transitioning traditional shark fishermen into conservation stewards. It operates the Isla Mujeres Shark Initiative, Shark Safari ecotourism, an Adopt-a-Shark program, and corporate Shark Hero partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Conservation Nonprofits

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE), Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks) (THAAAIAH), Advocacy, Policy & Public Awareness (Animal Welfare) (BPAGAIAJ)

Keywords

• Wildlife conservation
• Marine biology research
• Fisheries sustainability
• Environmental education
• Ocean advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Berwyn

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting shark conservation. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity (Tax ID 87-0921468). Donors can contribute to specific conservation activities including BRUV maintenance, fuel for monitoring, shark tagging equipment, and community education programs.
2. Shark Adoption Program: Symbolic shark adoption at multiple tiers ($5/month to $2,500 one-time) providing digital photos, certificates, tracking access, merchandise kits, and naming rights for sharks. Generates recurring and one-time revenue while building a community of Shark Heroes.
3. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including t-shirts, caps, buffs, tumblers, phone cases, and tote bags priced $20-$40. All products made on demand and shipped to USA, Canada, and Mexico.
4. Partnership Licensing: Co-branded products with partner companies (Deadhead Rum cocktail campaign, VANS shoes, Wanderlust hats, Pali Jewelry, Raíz Nativa art, Cesar Menchaca art) where partners donate 10% of sales to the foundation.
5. Shark Safari Ecotourism: Eco-tourism expeditions operated by the Kab Xok Cooperative. Visitors snorkel with sharks while supporting conservation. The foundation supports these sustainable livelihoods for former shark fishermen.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Saving Our Sharks Foundation is a U.S. 501(c)(3) public charity that funds and operates marine conservation programs focused on sharks in the Mexican Caribbean around Isla Mujeres. Its core offerings combine field research, shark monitoring, and species protection with community-based economic programs for local fishing families, including sustainable-fisheries training, ecotourism development, and direct grants. Donor- and sponsor-funded, it markets adopt-a-shark symbolic adoptions, memberships, corporate sponsorships, and branded merchandise to finance the work.

Product overview

Saving Our Sharks Foundation operates a platform of interconnected conservation products and services centered on the Isla Mujeres Shark Initiative. The core offerings include the Shark Safari eco-tourism experience and the Shark Adoption Program with five membership tiers. Supporting products include branded merchandise and partner products through their online store. Additional services encompass the Shark Research and Internship Program, direct contribution options for specific conservation activities, and the Shark Hero Movement for individual and corporate partnerships. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in the USA (Tax ID 87-0921468) with operations focused on the Mexican Caribbean.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Adopt-a-Shark Program A symbolic adoption program that lets individual donors and families fund shark conservation by 'adopting' a named or representative shark; supporters receive a recognition kit while proceeds fund field research and protection work in the Mexican Caribbean.
• Corporate Sponsorship Program Tiered sponsorship packages for companies and institutions seeking a registered marine conservation charity partner for CSR, ESG, and brand-marketing initiatives, with funding directed to shark and community programs in the Mexican Caribbean.
• Membership Program A recurring membership giving program for individual supporters who want ongoing engagement and sustained funding of the foundation's conservation and community work.
• Community Grants to Fishing Families Grants provided to local fishing families and cooperatives in Isla Mujeres to support livelihoods, sustainable practices, and economic diversification alongside shark conservation.
• Ecotourism Training Program Training for fishing community members in Isla Mujeres to develop sustainable ecotourism services, including guide and small-business skills, reducing dependence on wild-capture fishing.
• Shark Research and Monitoring Program Field research, tagging, and population monitoring of sharks in the Mexican Caribbean to generate data for species protection and inform local conservation policy.
• Environmental Education and Outreach Education and outreach programs for schools, local communities, and the general public to raise awareness of shark and ocean conservation, delivered through the foundation's website and on-the-ground activities in Isla Mujeres.
• Branded Merchandise Branded apparel and merchandise sold online through the foundation's website, with proceeds supporting conservation and community programs.

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Impression Isla Mujeres by SecretscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Strategic alliance with luxury resort supporting shark conservation through donations and environmental education. The hotel incorporates conservation messaging into guest experiences, hosts Earth Day events, and has been named 'Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World' 2024 and 2025. First hotel with a cause partner of the foundation.
• Deadhead RumcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2024Shark Cocktail Partnership campaign launching conservation-themed cocktails (including 'Caribbean Shark Revivor') at select hospitality venues. For every shark-themed cocktail sold, a contribution goes to ocean conservation. The partnership leverages the hospitality industry to raise awareness and funds while creating a Shark Hero network through bars and restaurants.
• Hotel B Unique CozumelcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 March 2024B Corp certified hotel that hosted the Shark Heroes de Cozumel event celebrating Kab Xok Cooperative's PADI Advanced Open Water certification. Provided venue, support, and recognition for Masters of the Mar conservation efforts.
• Kab Xok CooperativeflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Primary strategic partner representing 28 Masters of the Sea fishermen who have transitioned from shark fishing to conservation. The cooperative operates Shark Safari eco-tours, conducts monitoring and vigilance activities, and leads community-based shark protection efforts in Isla Mujeres. The foundation supports their transition to sustainable livelihoods through training, equipment, and market access.
• Scuba Life CozumelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDive operator supporting Kab Xok Cooperative transition to sustainable tourism. Provided dive training support and tourism market access for former shark fishermen becoming marine guides.
• PADI AWAREcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal dive conservation organization supporting PADI Advanced Open Water diver certification for Masters of the Sea fishermen, enabling professional development for ecotourism transition.
• DAN (Divers Alert Network)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDive safety organization supporting first aid certification for Kab Xok Cooperative members transitioning to scuba-based ecotourism operations.
• CONAPESCAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMexico's National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries supporting National Shark Month expansion and policy alignment for shark conservation.
• CONANPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMexico's National Commission of Natural Protected Areas supporting shark sanctuary efforts and protected area management.
• SEMA (Secretariat of Ecology and Environment)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerQuintana Roo state environmental authority that incorporated Shark Month into the official state agenda since 2021, providing government legitimacy and support for conservation programs.
• SOMEPEC (Sociedad Mexicana de Peces Cartilaginosos)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMexican Society for Cartilaginous Fishes collaborating on National Shark Month expansion and scientific expertise for shark conservation initiatives.
• VANScoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFootwear brand collaboration on Sharks Off the Hook branded shoes (Classic Slip-on and Old Skool styles). Co-branded products supporting conservation messaging.
• Wanderlust Hats & ClothingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHats and clothing brand donating 10% of Hammerhead Hat and Shark Lovers Towel purchases to Saving Our Sharks Foundation.
• Pali JewelryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver jewelry designer donating 10% of Diver and Shark silver pieces to the foundation's conservation work.
• Raíz NativaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArt gallery donating 10% of Kay-Celebración de Vida artwork sales to shark conservation.
• Cesar MenchacaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArtist creating 'From Trash to Art' pieces with 10% of sales donated to Saving Our Sharks.
• ISDIN CosmeticscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCosmetic brand participating in Shark Hero corporate adoption program to support marine conservation in the Mexican Caribbean.
• Gran Acuario MichincoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAquarium chain participating as Shark Hero corporate partner adopting sharks and supporting conservation education programs.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• WWF (World Wildlife Fund): Largest global wildlife conservation nonprofit. Comparable species and habitat protection mission and individual adoption/symbolic sponsorship programs, though operating at a vastly larger scale.
• Sea Shepherd Conservation Society: Marine wildlife conservation nonprofit running direct-action campaigns against illegal fishing. Comparable in marine species protection mission and individual donor base, though more confrontational advocacy approach.
• The Nature Conservancy: Major environmental nonprofit operating marine conservation programs in Mexico and the Caribbean. Comparable marine conservation focus, government and corporate partnerships, and donor-funded model.
• Ocean Conservancy: Larger established marine conservation nonprofit working on ocean policy, plastics, and species protection. Comparable as a marine advocacy nonprofit with corporate partnerships and donor-driven funding, though broader than shark-specific work.
• Mission Blue / Sylvia Earle Alliance: Marine conservation organization supporting marine protected areas and ocean advocacy. Comparable mission and donor-driven funding model, though broader than shark-specific work.
• Oceana: Major international ocean conservation organization focused on policy advocacy and fisheries reform. Comparable in marine conservation mission, government engagement, and donor-funded model, though operating at a much larger scale.
• WildAid: Wildlife conservation nonprofit running campaigns to reduce demand for marine and wildlife products. Comparable cause-marketing and celebrity-driven awareness campaigns, individual donor support, and marine species focus.

Direct peers

• PADI AWARE Foundation: Dive-community conservation foundation running citizen science, marine debris, and species protection programs. Comparable as a marine conservation nonprofit partnering with dive operators, tourism operators, and individual donors.
• Shark Trust: UK-based shark-specific conservation nonprofit running citizen science, advocacy, and membership programs. Closely comparable in mission (shark-focused conservation), individual adoption-style memberships, and government engagement for shark protections.
• Save Our Seas Foundation: Global foundation funding shark and marine research, education, and conservation. Directly comparable mission focus on sharks and marine ecosystems, grantmaking to researchers, and education-driven outreach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SavingOurShark1
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCGF22ekPa9wz4SMA6bFyRhA
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• Instagraminstagram.com/savingoursharksfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/savingoursharksfoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Saving Our Sharks Foundation