Please take a moment to watch the following brief video, read the ensuing explanatory text and then consider signing the petition, obtainable by clicking on the above link.
Sharks – the apex predators of the oceans – have survived 400 million years of evolution, yet many species may face extinction within our lifetime. Up to 100 million sharks are being killed every year, most often their bodies are discarded and only their fins are kept to be used in Shark Fin Soup – a delicacy in some Chinese restaurants. Over hunting of the world’s largest fish has caused severe declines among many shark species, including the iconic Great White. Currently a third of shark species are threatened with extinction, and some populations have plummeted by over 90%. Sharks are essential to the health of our oceans. As apex predators, sharks maintain a critical balance in the ocean. When sharks are eliminated, disastrous effects have been documented further down the food chain, including the collapse of commercial fisheries and the degradation of coral reefs. If sharks were to become extinct, this would have massive unintended consequences for our ocean ecosystems worldwide. Time is running out for the world’s shark populations. It is time to take a big step in preserving the world’s vital oceans by banning the sale and distribution of shark fins and shark fin products nationwide.
Comment by Anyong.......Not only the Chinese eat shark fin but so the Japanese who take shark and porpoise for supposedly research reasons. The eat most of what they catch. As a culture, they don't seem to have much regard for the oceans. I lived in South Korea for many years. We had first hand knowledge of what was happening from ABC Australia.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very sad situation, Anyong, Until people understand that we are part of nature, not separate from it, its seems these kinds of depredations are fated to continue.
DeleteI think religious beliefs stating we actually men, have dominion over the earth is 90% of the problem when it comes to way people think of themselves as being above everything else on earth including that the earth is a living breathing entity. Submitted ....Anyong
DeleteWithout question, Anyong, religions that suggest humanity's supremacy over the rest of nature is a factor in our arrogance. The American right has even gone so far as to say that God won't allow for earth's destruction since He gave it to man to do with as he will.
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