Asociación Conservacionista Misión Tiburón
Medio Ambiente y Conservación | Environment & Conservation
About
Asociación Conservacionista Misión Tiburón is a Costa Rican nonprofit founded in 2009 by marine biologists in response to the global decline of shark populations. The organization advances shark and ocean conservation through scientific research, marine education, professional training, coastal habitat restoration, and social advocacy. Its research contributed to the Costa Rican government’s 2018 declaration of the Golfo Dulce Hammerhead Shark Sanctuary, an innovative conservation model that combines science with community participation to protect sharks and the ecosystems they depend on.
Impact
60+
Hectares of Mangrove
Restored
72,000+
Trees Planted
10,000+
Children Reached Through
Environmental Education
Programs
Shark Monitoring
Conducts scientific expeditions in Golfo Dulce and other key areas to monitor shark populations and generate data that supports their conservation.
Mangrove Restoration
Restores degraded mangrove habitat within the Golfo Dulce Hammerhead Shark Sanctuary in collaboration with local communities.
Marine Education
Brings Ocean Literacy programs to coastal schools, helping students understand marine ecosystems and their role in protecting them.
Current Need
Expanding science-based conservation is a key priority for Misión Tiburón. The organization aims to conduct at least four shark-monitoring expeditions per month in Papagayo and Golfo Dulce, restore 20 additional hectares of mangrove, and implement its Ocean Literacy program in at least three coastal schools. Donations help sustain this work, while supporters can also contribute by sharing its conservation efforts and participating in initiatives such as the annual shark count held each December.
Growing Stronger Every Year
We’re proud to participate in Amigos of Costa Rica’s Transparency Badge System, which evaluates organizations across three key areas: financial stewardship, governance, and community impact.
Organizations are recognized at four levels of growth: Seed, Sprout, Sapling, and Tree, helping donors better understand each organization’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
The badges displayed below reflect our current achievements and our ongoing commitment to strengthening our organization and maximizing our impact.
Finance
Governance
Impact
Ready to Join Our Mission?
Support this organization using the donation method that works best for you. Online giving is available through credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal, with additional options including wire transfers, stock gifts, checks, Zelle, and cryptocurrency donations.