Online Donation - Guadalupe Island Conservation Fund

The Guadalupe Island Conservation Fund was established in early 2006 to draw members of the scuba diving community together to raise money to both assist the Government of Mexico in protecting the endangered shark population of Isla Guadalupe and to channel money from shark tourism into local projects on the island.

There are very few places where great white sharks can be studied by scientists and viewed by the public. The seasonal population of 50 sharks at Isla Guadalupe is generally recognized as the best place in the world to see these magnificent and beautiful animals. While white sharks are a protected species, the value of one carcass on the black market can bet over $20,000, which provides an enormous incentive to illegally fish for them. Our goal is to provide every assistance possible to the Government of Mexico to help protect this rare and unique population of sharks. With the daily catch of sharks worldwide estimated at 273,000 animals, the threat is real and ominous.

Grupo Ecología y Conservación de Islas, A.C. and CONANP, the Mexican National Park Service, are collaborating on terrestrial and marine conservation projects to protect the resident great white shark population, but also the sea birds, marine mammals, and endemic plant species that make Guadalupe Island a special place to visit.

On this page, you can make a one time contribution, you can create your own fundraising page, or you can invite others to contribute. There are 2 ways to make a donation:

1. Make a secure on-line contribution right here on this donation page by entering your amount in the contribution box below and hit continue. You will receive a confirmation message and email with a tax-deductible receipt immediately upon submission of your contribution. For on-line donations, credit card processing fees will apply
2. Alternatively, you can send a check made payable to: The International Community Foundation and note "Guadalupe Island Conservation Fund" in the memo field on the check. Please mail all checks to:
International Community Foundation
2505 N Avenue, National City, CA 91950

A 501(c) 3 charitable contribution tax receipt will be sent to you from the International Community Foundation. For more information on ICF please visit: http://www.icfdn.org

Matching funds are also gladly accepted! Please inquire for details.

Thank you for supporting the Guadalupe Island Conservation Fund. Every contribution, no matter how large or small, is a positive step toward saving this population of white sharks, as well as helping fund local projects on Isla Guadalupe. Diving with these magnificent animals is a rare privilege graciously extended by the Government and people of Mexico. We especially urge all divers visiting Isla Guadalupe to reciprocate by making a generous donation.

Please read a featured story on Natural History Magazine by clicking here.To learn more about this area and other islands where marine biodiversity is extremely high, please visit the following links:

• The Guadalupe Island Conservation Fund
• The Socorro Island Conservation Fund

Tags: Environment Mexico Baja California