Saving Sharks, Saving Oceans: The Fight for Marine and Ocean Protection
Did you know that millions of sharks endure agonizing deaths each year – all for a bowl of soup? Shark fin soup, considered a delicacy in some cultures, drives the brutal practice of shark finning. Fishermen slice off the shark’s fins, often while the animal is still alive, before casting it back into the ocean to die a slow, painful death. This practice is not only inhumane but also unsustainable, threatening not just sharks but the entire marine ecosystem.
Two decades ago, Georgienne Bradley founded Sea Save Foundation (SSF) with a vision: to protect the health of our oceans, document the challenges they face and develop solutions, and empower people with knowledge and tools to safeguard marine life and create lasting change.
Bradley’s journey began in science. Originally on a path to become a doctor, Bradley’s pivotal moment came when she was offered the opportunity to work with the prestigious Cousteau Society. It sparked her lifelong passion for oceans. Leaving medical school behind, Bradley founded SSF to tackle the growing threats to our oceans.
“We are very scrappy but formidable,” Bradley says of her all-volunteer, science-driven organization. They bring strength, vigor, and a deep well of knowledge as they work directly with decision-makers to enact policies that prevent problems before they start.
Sea Save Foundation’s impact has been significant. The organization was instrumental in the 2013 legislative proposal that made shark fin possession illegal in California and led a nationwide campaign, resulting in a 2022 federal ban on shark fin possession. By focusing their arguments on the unsustainable nature of shark finning and the economic consequences of collapsing fisheries, they convinced lawmakers across the country to take action.
Recognizing the power of influencing policy, Sea Save Foundation expanded their focus globally. “Oceans do not recognize political borders, so we must work on a global scale to create real change,” says Bradley. SSF now collaborates with the United Nations and has become a respected voice at major international forums such as the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). The organization has been at the forefront in securing protections for species like manta rays, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, nautilus, and many more.
Sea Save’s influence goes beyond policy advocacy. The organization believes that informed citizens are powerful agents of change. To that end, they publish the free “Ocean Week in Review” newsletter, offering concise summaries of the latest marine news, from policy shifts and species discoveries to environmental victories and ongoing challenges. This digest helps people stay informed and engaged, even in today’s fast-paced, noisy world.
Bradley says “The tides of change won’t wait, and neither can we. United, we can turn the tide in favor of our oceans, ensuring a future where marine life – and humanity – can thrive.It’s OUR sea to save. Join the pod.”
Sea Save Foundation
Donate now!seasave.org
Director: Georgienne Bradley
(310) 463-0777
Mission
To generate consciousness and encourage stewardship of natural ecosystems while continuing with other charitable educational activities associated with this purpose.
Begin to Build a Relationship
We know you care about where your money goes and how it is used. Connect with this organization’s leadership in order to begin to build this important relationship. Your email will be sent directly to this organization’s director of development and/or Executive Director.
As a major supporter of Sea Save Foundation for over a decade, I have seen the tangible global impact they’re making in safeguarding our oceans for future generations. My children and I look forward to receiving the Ocean Week in Review, which has become a valuable resource for keeping up with the latest science and ocean-related news.As a physician, I am keenly aware that the health of our oceans is deeply intertwined with the health and longevity of human life. The growing presence of microplastics and mercury in the fish we consume is leading to increasingly serious health concerns. Addressing these issues is critical, and Sea Save is on the front lines of this fight. In the nonprofit sector, creating real change with limited resources is never easy. Sea Save Foundation is a small but highly effective, results-driven organization, and I fully support their vital work.
Together, We Can Protect Sharks, Oceans, and Our Future
Our oceans cover over 71% of the Earth’s surface, yet they receive less funding than nearly any other philanthropic endeavor. We know more about the farthest reaches of the galaxy than we do about the depths of our own seas.
To continue Sea Save’s vital work, including the weekly publication of the nonpartisan, science-based “Ocean Week in Review” and expand its reach to a wider audience, they need your support. Additionally, in 2025, Sea Save plans on attending the CITES conference in Geneva to advocate for the protection of endangered marine species from trade, and they will participate in the U.N.’s SDG #14 discussions to ensure progress towards meeting global ocean conservation goals by 2030.
But they can’t do this alone. To make these critical campaigns possible, they need to raise $275,000. Your support will enable them to advocate on a global scale and provide vital information to those working to protect our oceans. Together, we can turn the tide for our planet.