Tens of millions of sharks are killed every year in the brutal practice of “finning” and used in the so-called Chinese delicacy, shark fin soup.
Now with the 2008 Summer Olympics being held in Beijing, China, we have an unprecedented opportunity to protect these magnificent creatures!
"Finning" refers to the practice of cutting off only the shark fins and discarding the body. Often times, the sharks are still alive as their four fins are cut off with a knife. When they're thrown back into the ocean the sharks either bleed to death, or they drown.
The rising consumption of shark fin soup is driving many shark species towards extinction. Shark fin soup, a symbol of privilege and social rank, is served to celebrate important events, including weddings, business meetings and, potentially, Olympic performances. A bowl of shark fin soup can cost $100.
A large increase in demand for shark fins, combined with this predator's role in oceanic ecosystems, adds up to
an ecological disaster for the world's oceans.
Stand up to the International Olympic Committee to make sure Shark Fin Soup stays off the menu during the Olympic Games!
Dear International Olympic Committee,
You, as members of the International Olympics Committee, have the opportunity and responsibility to help stop the brutal practice of shark finning by implementing a ban on shark fin soup during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Tens of millions of sharks are killed for their fins every year. Most shark fisheries cut the fins off the shark and then throw the shark overboard to die. The rising consumption of shark fin soup is now driving many shark species towards extinction - and spells ecological disaster for our world's oceans.
The Olympics are one-of-a-kind events that allow people from all over the world to come together and celebrate their hard work and accomplishments. Each athlete who competes in the Olympics is a shining example of what the country has to offer. That's why it's so important the International Olympic Committee make sure the host city of the Olympics serve as an example of responsible stewardship.
The presence of shark fin soup in Beijing restaurants during the Olympics Games would be irresponsible and misleading to consumers. The practice of finning sharks should be banned worldwide, and prohibiting shark fin soup is an important step toward this goal.
Businesses that serve shark fin soup must be informed that the rest of the world does not support the brutal and ecologically devastating act, and we will not stand for it being served during the Olympic Games in Beijing.
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