Our second Women in Science and Pelagic Shark retreat finished this week, and the trip was a success! Despite very bad weather for most of the week, we managed to get everyone snorkeling with Mako sharks, and on one of our ocean days, we were lucky enough to come across a super pod of sperm whales (at least 100 whales) that were migrating into the Sea of Cortez.

Conservation efforts are essential to preserve the natural world and its biodiversity. From protecting endangered species to preserving habitats, these efforts help maintain the delicate balance of ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for our planet. However, many of these efforts often go unnoticed or underappreciated by the general population, leading to a lack of support and funding. This is where platforms like Key Conservation come in, connecting real conservation efforts with people and providing a bridge between them.

The world's oceans are critical to the survival and well-being of the planet and all its inhabitants. However, the high seas, which are areas beyond national jurisdiction, are facing increasing threats from overfishing, pollution, and climate change. To address these challenges, the international community has been working on a High Seas Treaty, which could transform the way we manage and protect these vast and vital areas.

Meet Clara Calatayud, shark expert and developer of the Pelagic Shark Monitoring Program in Cabo San Lucas since 2016.

Experiencing wildlife encounters is something we live for! In recent years, shark awareness has increased and it’s a joy seeing how more and more people are shedding the excessive fear of sharks the media has imposed for decades.

It was hard to make this compilation but it brought us so much joy to remember the amazing moments we’ve experienced this year.