2026 SAVING OUR SEAS FROM A MILE HIGH
ANNUAL FINS ATTACHED SAVING OUR SEAS FROM A MILE HIGH GALA
The Saving Our Seas from a Mile High gala is an inspiring evening dedicated to ocean conservation, shark protection, and marine research. Hosted by Fins Attached, the event brings together ocean advocates, scientists, conservation leaders, and supporters who share a commitment to protecting our oceans for future generations. The gala highlights critical conservation projects, groundbreaking shark and marine research, and community-driven efforts to preserve fragile marine ecosystems around the world. Guests experience an unforgettable evening of storytelling, education, and purpose, all focused on creating lasting change for the ocean.
The Gala Details: Your ticket includes your choice of meal, open bar, free parking, and free pre-gala aqaurium visit.
Keynote Speaker – Dr. Mauricio Hoyos
Dr. Mauricio Hoyos is an internationally recognized marine biologist, shark scientist, conservationist, and explorer known for his pioneering work studying great white sharks, tiger sharks, Galapagos sharks, and other apex predators throughout the Eastern Pacific. He serves as Chief Scientist for Fins Attached and has spent more than three decades researching shark behavior, migration, and conservation. His work has been featured in numerous international documentaries and scientific expeditions, including research at Guadalupe Island and Cocos Island.
In September 2025, Dr. Hoyos survived a rare shark incident while conducting shark-tagging research at Cocos Island as part of the One Ocean Worldwide Coalition expedition. During the research dive, a Galapagos shark turned in a defensive action and bit him on the head, and face, while he was tagging the animal for monitoring purposes. Despite severe injuries, he survived and was transported over a 36-hour rescue journey to a hospital in San José, Costa Rica, where he arrived in stable condition. On the day of the incident, September 27, 2025, Mauricio was honored with the Rob Stewart Ocean Conservationist of the Year award for his tireless effort to save sharks.
Keynote Speaker – Dr. Mikki McComb-Cobza
Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza is a marine biologist, shark researcher, conservationist, educator, and explorer known internationally for her work studying shark behavior, sensory biology, and marine ecosystem conservation. She is the CEO and Chief Scientist of Ocean First Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to marine research, conservation, and ocean education that has reached hundreds of thousands of students around the world through science programs and outreach initiatives.
Dr. McComb-Kobza earned her Ph.D. in Integrative Biology from Florida Atlantic University, where her groundbreaking research focused on the sensory biology and visual capabilities of hammerhead sharks. Her work helped explain how the unique hammerhead shape enhances sensory perception and hunting abilities. Her current work focuses on shark movement, abundance, conservation technology, endangered species recovery, and public education designed to change perceptions about sharks and marine ecosystems.