Sharks - the apex predators of the oceans are rapidly disappearing! Fishermen have killed these monsters of the sea for their fins, usually 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. UN estimates show a population collapse of 90% in the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Mexico.
The situation has become so dire that China has decided to ban Shark Fin Soup at official state banquets. In the U.S. several states have introduced state-wide bans on shark fins.
In late 2011, Canada's largest city - Toronto, Ontario voted to ban the fins, which was later overturned by Ontario's supreme court. In July of 2012, Calgary also voted to ban the selling and possession of Shark fins. Several British Columbia cities have opted for similar bans. Vancouver and 2 of its suburbs have considered banning shark fins. The practice of killing and finning sharks in Canadian waters is already illegal. However, imports of shark fins as of yet haven't been banned nationwide.
Sharks help to maintain an important balance in our oceans, keeping the populations of smaller fish in check. If sharks were to become extinct, it would spell disaster for ocean ecosystems worldwide, as the food supply for smaller fish wouldn't be able to meet the ever increasing demand!
Time is running out for the world's shark populations so please sign and share the petition to tell Canada's leaders to ban the trade of shark fins nationwide and take a big step in preserving the world's vital oceans.
It's time to take a bite out of the Shark fin trade!
Should Shark Fin Soup be banned in Canada?
http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourcommunity/2012/08/should-shark-fin-soup-be-banned-across-canada.html
City council votes 13-2 to ban sale, possession of shark fins
http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/calgary/City+shark+fins+would+send+strong+message/6941736/story.html
Cities unite on shark fin issue - Burnaby Now: http://www.burnabynow.com/technology/Cities+unite+shark+issue/7104513/story.html
Dear Prime Minister Harper,
We the undersigned call on the Canadian government to ban the sale and possession of shark fin imports in Canada. Upwards of 100 million sharks are killed every year, to have their fins used in shark fin soup. Sharks contain little nutritional value, but are essential in maintaining balance for the earth's oceans.
Please do the right thing and agree to the ban of shark fin imports in Canada!
Sincerely,
