New York State Assembly Votes Unanimously to Ban the Sale of Shark Fins

Posted on May 28, 2013 by bansharkfinning

Another step in the right direction!! The New York State Assembly voted unanimously to ban shark fin trade in the State. A measure that is aimed at the availability of Shark Fin Soup on the menus of several restaurants in New York. Archaic, right? Who would have thought that one of the most leading edge communities in the foodie world would still be engaging in the sale, use, and trade of shark fins for a soup that is virtually tasteless. How anti-avant-garde of you, New York.

The legislation is set to hit the desk of Governor Cuomo who will, hopefully, sign the bill and make New York the seventh state to ban the use, possession and sale of shark fins in the United States. Linda B. Rosenthal, D-Mass., says of the bill, “New York must not be complicit in the reprehensible practice of shark finning, which has led to the demise of shark populations worldwide.”

To read further on an article by David Knowles click here to read more from the New York Daily News.

Dehydrated Shark Fin

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“…when sharks die, the oceans die.”

Posted on April 20, 2009 by bansharkfinning

“More than 3,800 sharks were caught every 20 minutes to meet global demand for shark fin, pushing many shark species towards extinction.” -Louis Ng, Founder of Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES)

A rally in Singapore opened to help decrease the demand for shark fins as well as spread the word that it is putting many species of sharks on the edge of extinction. The demand for shark fins has risen in Singapore has reason due to a growing economy. Luckily, not all of the younger generation in Singapore isn’t buying into it. Many couple who are getting married or hosting banquets are forgoing shark fin soup despite outcry from parents and guests.

The impact of overfishing for shark fins is blatant in the ecosystems of the oceans around the world. Species of fish are failing to thrive because of the mass requirement for shark fins and it will continue to be detrimental unless advocates of sharks speak up.

When visiting a restaurant that serves shark fins just say “I’ll pass” or “No thank you” … Say instead, “I’ll pass on the shark because eating it would only further profit the individuals that take pride in depleting the ocean of it’s foremost predator. Did you know….?”

Saying “Did you know…?” is the best way to get people’s attention … It’s like a trigger in people’s brains that says “HEY! She/He might be saying something cool! Wake up!” Then say something really interesting about sharks and open the window to tell someone about how being a shark advocate is a great way to join the GREEN movement and how our world would benefit from Sharks in the water.

Advocate for sharks because no matter what you are or what you eat you should not have to suffer at the bottom of the ocean (finless) for days, waiting for death because you can’t breath. I don’t know about you, but knowing I saved a life by educating someone else is a pretty cool feeling.

What if someone did this to your most beloved pet? The only difference is that this species is a major player in the oceans' ecosystem

What if someone did this to your most beloved pet? The only difference is that this species is a major player in the oceans' ecosystem

Here’s the article!

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“…it’s their ocean and we just come and play in it…”

Posted on April 16, 2009 by bansharkfinning
Sharks feeding on chum from diving tours

Sharks feeding on chum from diving tours

Now you would think that dive tours would understand the implications of chumming the waters just to watch sharks feed, to allow people to experience a shark feeding frenzy firsthand. That type of business is absolutely ludicrous because it not only puts people who use the area for recreation in danger, it will attract the larger more aggressive cousins of the White Tips and Black Tips as well as Tiger Sharks and it will cause public outcry if the sharks attack a person (on accident, of course) thinking they are chum or bait. After all, how is a shark to tell?

Let’s tackle the first issue here. People that live near the Maunalua Bay area use it to practice various water recreation sports. Several people surf in the area several times a week, canoe, swim and go boating. Like one of the individuals point out, “How many of us have gone out in boats and jumped into the water to cool off? Sharks won’t be able to distinguish the difference.” It’s not that sharks are stupid by any means, it’s just that when something (or someone) crashes into the water the sharks won’t be able to distinguish a difference thus putting scuba divers and swimmers in major danger.

The second issue here is that larger, much more aggressive predators will be attracted to the area. Sharks can smell one particle of blood in 1 million particles of water (that’s one drop of blood in 25 gallons of water). Once a shark comes across a scent they follow a scent trail until they theoretically find the source. Let’s say, hypothetically, one of these shark tours does put chum in the water to lure sharks, a large, aggressive shark follows the scent right into a popular surfing/scuba diving/ swimming area. A person is attacked (accidentally) because they are mixed in among the scent. Whose fault is it? Naturally, everyone will point to the species which cannot defend itself and did the “attacking,” the shark.

As you can tell chumming water to lure sharks is totally irresponsible and should, if possible, be stopped. Not only will it keep sharks safe, it will keep people in the water safe as well. Do you want to be attacked by a shark who associates you with chum? I know I wouldn’t 🙂

Curious about the source of all of this? Here’s the article.

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“The one animal that we fear the most is the one we cannot live without.”

Posted on April 10, 2009 by bansharkfinning
Whale Shark in the waters near Útila, Honduras

Whale Shark in the waters near Útila, Honduras

It’s best to have all of your facts straight!! Taking a stand on something requires a large amount of knowledge. Not just knowledge on why you believe what you believe, but knowledge on how to defend yourself against the opposing view.

If you can spare some time please watch the documentary titled Sharkwater. It will help clear up some preconceived notions about sharks and people as well. It is truly shocking. I have yet to see another film that is as moving. Sharkwater Trailer This documentary will change your life. Without a doubt.

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Anti-shark finning petitions!

Posted on April 9, 2009 by bansharkfinning

Hey Shark Savers! I hope you have all had a wonderful couple of days 🙂 Mine have been CRAZZZZY!!

If you are looking to help the anti shark finning cause please look into the following anti shark finning petitions, sign one or sign all!! Any and all help is so deeply appreciated!!

Stop Shark Fin Soup!

SOS Save Our Sharks

Stop shark fishing in the Great Barrier Reef

That’s all I have for you now .. I know it’s not terribly detailed, I’ll be adding more depth to my ever growing blog when life slows down a bit 🙂 Thank you all again for your help and support! The Sharks need all they can get!!!!

P.S.

If you’re on Twitter you can find me at http://www.twitter.com/banfinning

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Shark Fin Soup … Still a Delicacy?

Posted on April 6, 2009 by bansharkfinning

It has been a long struggle to reduce the amount of shark’s fin soup served or requested in Asia as well as other places in the world. However, all of the work seems to be paying off. The younger generation in China has become more aware of the environmental impact not only on sharks but other marine life as well. “Global entertainment giant Disney bowed to pressure from animal rights activists and took the delicacy off its menu when it opened Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005.” Just think, not ordering shark’s fin soup for a wedding or in a restaurant can help save millions and millions of lives!

Here are some numbers on the decline of sharks’ fins:

  • 800,000 metric tons of shark fins demanded (1 metric ton = 2204.62 pounds)
  • 20% of shark species are endangered in relation to this demand
  • Reduction of shark fin demand worldwide: 897,000 metric tons in 2003 to 758,000 in 2006

Ralph Jennings and Cheong Kah Shin have done an excellent job in relaying this information in this article, link here.

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