Ocean conservation

The Hong Kong Shark Foundation is a registered Hong Kong charity* dedicated exclusively to shark conservation and the promotion of a sustainable ocean. Founded to address the growing crisis of shark
overfishing and the destructive shark fin trade, HKSF works to reduce the consumption of all shark products through education, community outreach, and corporate engagement.

Although sharks have survived in our ocean for more than 400 million years, many shark species are now facing dramatic population declines due largely to overfishing and the global demand for shark fin and shark products ie. squalene, ceviche, pet food, etc.  Sharks play a critical role as apex predators, helping maintain the balance and health of marine ecosystems. Without sharks, marine biodiversity and ocean stability are put at serious risk.

Hong Kong remains one of the world’s major hubs for the shark fin trade, making public awareness and education especially important. HKSF believes that lasting conservation change begins with education, and the organization’s flagship initiative — the Shark Ambassador Education Program
<https://hksfambassador.wixsite.com/hksfambassador> — has become one of our leading student-driven marine conservation programs.

Each year, the Shark Ambassador Program reaches more than 10,000 students from primary schools through universities across the territory. The programme empowers young people with knowledge, communication skills, and leadership opportunities to become advocates for shark and ocean conservation within their schools and communities.

Through interactive presentations, workshops, educational resources, and outreach activities, students learn about marine biodiversity, the ecological importance of sharks, and the urgent need to protect our ocean. The program also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water by encouraging environmental stewardship and sustainability awareness among youth.

HKSF’s education work extends beyond the classroom. The organization regularly collaborates with schools, corporations, community groups, and volunteers to create engaging conservation experiences that inspire positive behavioural change. One of the most impactful initiatives includes educational ‘Talk and Walk’ programmes, where students learn about the realities of the shark fin trade through guided visits and conservation discussions (<https://www.hksharkfoundation.org/12413-2/>).

In addition to youth education, HKSF has also launched its Shark-Free Company Initiative (<https://www.hksharkfoundation.org/12413-2/>), a growing CSR/ESG campaign encouraging businesses to pledge not to serve, promote, or support shark fin in any corporate context. The initiative highlights how companies can demonstrate leadership, professionalism, and sustainability without serving shark fin products at events, dinners, or business functions.

The campaign has already attracted support from a range of respected organizations and reflects a broader shift toward responsible business practices and ocean conservation awareness.

By combining education, advocacy, and community engagement, Hong Kong Shark Foundation hopes to inspire a new generation of ocean ambassadors and help build a future where sharks can continue to thrive in healthy marine ecosystems.

For more information about Hong Kong Shark Foundation and its programs, you can visit http://www.hksharkfoundation.org

Or call Andrea Richey, executive director, +852 9095 6652

*registered Hong Kong Charity 91/13596