We the undersigned would like to put forth our extreme concern on the topic of international shark finning that is taking place around the world and is decimating shark populations around the world.

Every year 100, 000, 000 sharks are mutilated and killed to obtain their fins and then their still alive bodies are tossed back into the ocean where they drown or bleed to death.  This is the method used by illegal fishermen who want to maximize profits by only having to store the fins.  This practice is widely unmonitared and unmanaged and sharks are harvested no matter their age, size or species. 

Over the past decade shark finning has increased due to advances in technology, and increased demand for shark fin soup. Considered a delicacy in Chinese culture, being served at weddings and special events as a sign of wealth.  At one point there was a lower demand due to the expense of shark fin but as economies have altered more and more people are able to afford shark fin soup.

The loss of these beautiful creatures of the sea would be a unrecoverable blow to the marine ecosystem possible starting a downward spiral in world environments.  As a concerned collection of minds from different cultures and societies we put forth our concerns and calls for immeadiate action in the banning of shark finning around the world.

We thank you for the time you have taken from your day to read and address our concerns.