Around the world, two sharks die every second –- up to 70 million a year. That’s the estimate from scientists on the number of sharks being removed from our oceans, mostly just for their fins. It’s a staggering number, whichever way you slice it.
Fortunately the tide is turning and many nations and governments, including the U.S., (thanks to you!) have restricted or banned finning in their waters. Efforts now must turn to trade and distribution. You can’t legally catch and cut the fins off a shark in U.S. waters, but it is legal to own, sell or distribute the fins!
States can close this loophole; by banning the sale of shark fins, they can eliminate the market -– and go a long way toward protecting them in the wild.
Now California has a chance to take action – in a big way.
Two California state legislators Assemblymembers Paul Fong and Jared Huffman, have introduced legislation (AB 376) that would ban the possession, sale, trade and distribution of shark fins in California. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is proud to be a lead supporter of the bill and you can send a electronic letter to your Assemblymember today!
California is a significant domestic market for shark fins; in fact, two California ports are leading points of entry for all shark fins coming into the U.S.
Action can’t come too quickly. Given the numbers of sharks dying each year how can they keep up with the demand? The simple answer is they can’t. Like us, sharks reproduce late in life and have few offspring. Shark populations worldwide are in serious decline.
The situation is significant because of the pivotal role sharks play in the food web, maintaining the delicate balance of life in the oceans. When you remove a top predator, the consequences are far-reaching and still little understood.
Over the coming months, we'll carefully follow and continue to support bill AB 376 as it makes it way through the California legislature. We’ll be sure to let you know when you can be a voice for sharks and healthy oceans and support the efforts of Fong and Huffman as ocean advocates.
Sharks have roamed our oceans for millions of years. Today, we’re faced with the reality that a third of open ocean sharks are threatened with extinction, all for a simple bowl of soup. We applaud the efforts of governments and businesses who have pledged not to serve shark fin soup and to those chefs who are finding alternatives.
Thanks for opening our eyes with this post.
I guess we can do our share by minimizing shark hunting as well as protecting the marine habitat of sharks. How? One thing we can do is by reducing the waste we release into our ocean. Water is life anyway. http://youtu.be/xyH957EEXWE
Posted by: Parlorfix | May 10, 2011 at 12:20 AM
A warm "hello" from Madeira.
I have read this post with interest and wish you success in your support for Californian bill AB 376.
It is tragic that so many sea creatures are being hounded into extinction.
But, do not give up hope. Here, in Madeira, the Mediterranean Monk Seal was once widespread. However, the early settlers of the island and their ancestors hunted these mammals to the brink of extinction.
In the mid 1990s, it was estimated that the world population of Monk seals was around 600. At that time, it was estimated that just 20 lived in the waters around the Madeiran archipelago.
From 1988, the Madeiran local legislature enforced an effective and strict protection of the seals and their habitat.
Today, it is estimated that maybe as many as 40 individuals make up the Monk Seal colony around Madeira. This number is still dangerously low, but the population is gradually increasing.
So, with goodwill and strong legal enforcement, it has been demonstrated that sea creatures can be protected.
Wishing you from Madeira every best wish for you endeavours to protect the remaining sharks in the ocean.
Posted by: Natural Madeira | April 15, 2011 at 06:43 AM
I'M A CHEF, N'A DEEP WATER DIVER. I ALSO GO FISHING WITH A SPEARGUN, I HAVE HUNTED SHARKS IN MY LIFE BUT ONLY BECAUSE I HAD NOTHING ELSE TO EAT, NOT FOR MAKING MONEY. YOU CAN'T IMAGINE HOW BEAUTIFULL FISH THE SHARK IS. SO EVERYBODY LET'S PROTECT THEM, SO OUR CHILDREN HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY YEARS LATER TO SEE A SHARK, NOT FROM PHOTOS, OR AQUARIUMS BUT FROM CLOSE-ALIVE ONES. IF WE KILL ALL THE SHARKS, THE FOOD CHANGE IS GOING TO BE DESTROYED. THANK U-JAMES-ZANT.
Posted by: JAMES-ZANT | April 07, 2011 at 09:39 AM
I'm so glad that so much people are interested in shark conservation. Together we can help to save sharks. Jorge, www.keep-sharks-alive.com
Posted by: Jorge Estrada | March 11, 2011 at 01:44 AM
I have always loved sharks. They are beautiful, mysterious, dangerous, yet gentle. Please work to conserve them!
Posted by: Zahara | March 03, 2011 at 04:42 PM
Thanks to everyone who has worked on AB 376. It's about time this was done. I'm Chinese and find it ridiculous that shark fin soup is still sold just because it's a "status symbol". Now we just have to get China to figure it out.
Posted by: Michelle | March 03, 2011 at 10:10 AM
Since I was a kid I was really afraid of sharks because of some stories told by mom and due to some films on TV. Knowing about this is so unfair because they do have life too that humans should be respected.
Posted by: potty training a puppy | February 21, 2011 at 04:05 AM
Part of what we can do to help is not patronize restaurants that serve shark fin soup. If you see it ont the menue, LEAVE, and on the way out tell the manager why!
Posted by: Tony | February 17, 2011 at 07:59 PM
They're scary but beautiful and amazing creatures. Keep us posted! ♥
Posted by: 3leafclover | February 16, 2011 at 02:38 PM
Thanks for asking Camille! Over the coming months we'll be letting everyone know what they can do to support this important bill. Yesterday was just the official launch!
Posted by: Alison Barratt | February 15, 2011 at 07:34 AM
oh my gosh what can we do to help???
Posted by: camille | February 14, 2011 at 08:29 PM