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We knew John Kerry helped champion the climate bill but who knew he was standing up for the sharks too? The good Senator introduced a bill, The Shark Conservation Act of 2009, in April intended to close loopholes used by shark finners and strength enforcement of laws protecting sharks.
Shark finning has long been illegal but it hasn't necessarily stopped among a good population of fisherman who find shark fin soup a tasty treat. But the hot dish has scientists, experts and certain politicians boiling—like John Kerry who is quoted saying,
| Huge demands on the foreign fin trade have fueled massive population declines and a serious disruption of our waters. We need much stronger solutions to finally end this illicit trade, and current protections haven't gotten the job done. We need to get serious, and I'm thrilled to see Discovery Channel's willingness to roll up its sleeves and help get the job done. |
Discovery Channel and John Kerry Shake Hands
That's right, enter our heroic sister channel, Discovery. Given their massively popular and annual Shark Week, the partnership seems a given. This year, with the help of our non-profit partner, Ocean Conservancy, Discovery will air a PSA directing viewers to discovery.com where they can sign an online petition to put an end to shark finning.
All of this comes at a convenient time, of course. Planet Green is also partaking in some serious ocean action during Blue August and rallies behind the cause.
Sharks are Scary! Why Should I Save Them?
Regardless of whether you like, dislike or are indifferent to sharks (OK, or maybe they scare the heck out of you!), they do matter. They play a critical role in our ocean's ecosystems by maintaining its balance—feeding on prey and keeping those populations in check. Scientists speculate that given the current rapid decline rate in our shark populations (a 75 percent decrease in certain populations), the entire marine landscape as we know it could change dramatically—and not for the better.
Save the Sharks in a Hot Second
Luckily, we can help join the cause! Click over to to the petition to stop shark soup and make a wave towards healthier oceans.
::The Huffington Post via The Boston Globe
More on Sharks:
Green Glossary: Shark Finning
How Many Sharks Get Killed for Their Fins Every Year?
Know Your Endangered Species? (Quiz)
