Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation

The rssf foundation continues to create programs to educate and bring awarenes to issues facing sharks and ocean conservation. Fin free and shark free programs are ongoing. Our shark free program launched in 2022 with the cosmetics and personal care products industry along with research into shark ingredients in consumer products. The program now has support from over 200 companies brands individuals as well as ngo's with members who number over 30 million. Shark free has expanded into pet foods and meat; sharks are a keystone species that matter to ocean ecosystems and blodiversity; sharks are an endangered species that need our protection; consumers should be made aware of the issues of neurotoxins and mercury in meat and shark meat should be correctly labeled so consumers can make educated choices. Fin free continued in the eu for the european commission's investigation into legislation; stop finning eu/stop the trade. The eu is a major player in the shark fishing industry. The uk shark fin ban passed in 2023. We assisted cites representatives in 2022 to pass added trade protections for sharks which came into effect in 2023 as did the us shark fin sales elimination act. Rssf worked with researchers developing fin id equipment. Our campaigns 'fly without fins' targeted an associated industry; airlines to discontinue shipping shark fins. Campaigns encouraged travelers to choose companies that had banned fins as cargo. Overfishing remains the biggest threat to sharks. Our work focused on the un biodiversity goals marine protected areas as well as climate change where healthy oceans are our biggest ally. Campaigns included the high seas treaty outreach to industry to discontinue sponsoring shark fishing tournaments and ecocide law; a movement to make the damage and destruction of the living world an international crime. Rssf continues its wide distribution of educational materials available across the globe which are constantly updated and free distributi