Our Mission
The American Shark Conservancy (ASC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of sharks and rays, increasing awareness and understanding of our oceans, through research and education. The ASC was founded in 2014 by Hannah Medd, MSc., a conservation scientist with a focus on supporting evidence-based policies with scientific research.
What is the American Shark Conservancy
Our Vision
The ASC’s vision is healthy global marine ecosystems conserved by an engaged, scientifically literate global community.
Our Story
Our organization is uniquely capable to create and manage programs with real conservation value because we have the qualifications to conduct applied research and the professional experience to implement meaningful outreach. Our team has strong and diverse backgrounds in many industries that combine for a holistic and committed approach to our mission. Our team has participated in primary research which has been applied to outreach initiatives that have resulted in positive policy changes both locally and globally.
Our Philosophy
Effective conservation requires research and outreach. Strong science supports sustainable proposals and the public’s voice is required to secure these as policies. The general public is not expected to know or understand the complexities of science and conservation so it is our job to provide correct information to support science literacy to foster a better understanding and appreciation of our natural world. It is not all about the sharks. Although the organization focuses primarily on cartilaginous fishes, we know they are only one piece of the marine ecosystem puzzle. We will always consider the broader context of any task we undertake.
Awards
The Gills Club
Honored to have one of our own, founder Hannah Medd, a featured scientist with the Gills Club, an education initiative of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy dedicated to connecting girls with female marine biologists, sharing knowledge, and empowering them to take leadership positions and inspire others with their passion for sharks.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center Go Blue Awards
The American Shark Conservancy was awarded the prestigious Go Blue Award for NonProfit of the Year for 2020 for "...outstanding contributions toward promoting and encouraging conservation, restoration, or preservation of marine life and/or marine ecosystems...". Their nomination can be read here.
latest news & events
ASC Outreach for Sharks in 2023
This year has brought a lot of great (and very fun!) opportunities to connect with various South Florida communities. The spring is usually a hectic...Read MoreShark Fishing Tournaments: Rules and Concerns
As a science-based NGO that researches recreational shark fishing we have been aware of the shark fishing tournament scheduled for July 9th in Florida for...Read MoreSaving Sharks: A Series – Conservation Categories
Humans like to categorize and label things. We like to list attributes and anything sharing those attributes go into that category or gets that label....Read More