Call for a global ban on shark finning

Please Support Our Sharks

Incredibly, as many as 100 million sharks are killed each year - that is a jaw-dropping 270,000 sharks fished each and every day. This is pushing many species to the brink of extinction. Urgent action is needed if this wonderfully diverse yet increasingly threatened group of species is to survive.

Most sharks serve as top predators at the pinnacle of the marine food pyramid, and so play a critical role in ocean ecosystems. Directly or indirectly they regulate the natural balance of these ecosystems, at all levels, and so are an integral part of them. As they usually hunt older, weaker or sick prey, they also help to keep the prey population in good condition.  Thus, they allow the healthy and strong animals that are more fit to reproduce to pass on their genes.  The effects of removing sharks from the ocean ecosystems, although complex and rather unpredictable, are likely to be ecologically and economically damaging. 

The world has shown real fight on the issue of whaling. We now ask that the United Nations do the right thing and ensure that sharks are protected for the future, as they are arguably the most threatened group of species in our oceans.  We thank you for your efforts towards the 2010 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species, but more work is still needed.  We the undersigned ask that the UN enforce a complete ban on the export of shark products and bring an end to the barbaric act of shark finning.

Palau has set an example for the rest of the world by ending targeted shark fishing and declaring a 'Shark Sanctuary' in its national waters.   The UN should look upon the efforts made in Palau, and encourage similar regulations to be adopted by other countries for the conservation of marine biodiversity through the protection of sharks.

In the face of collapsing shark populations around the globe, I urge you to do all in your power to support our sharks and safeguard their populations for generations to come.

Yours sincerely,