http://i33.tinypic.com/wrl3rp.jpg Shark finning refers to the removal and retention of shark fins and the discard at sea of the carcass. The shark is most often still alive when it is tossed back into the water. Unable to swim, the shark slowly sinks toward the bottom where it is eaten alive by other fish. It has increased over the past decade due to the increasing demand for shark fins (for shark fin soup and traditional cures), improved fishing technology, and improved market economics. Shark specialists estimate that 100 million sharks are killed for their fins, annually. Impacts of Shark Finning 1. Loss and devastation of shark populations around the world. Experts estimate that within a decade, most species of sharks will be lost because of longlining. 2. Unsustainable fishery. The massive quantity of sharks harvested and lack of selection deplete shark populations faster than their reproductive abilities can replenish populations. 3. Threatens the stability of marine ecosystems. 4. Loss of sharks as a food staple for many developing countries. 5. Local waters are invaded by large industrial, foreign fishing vessels that threaten traditional sustainable fisheries. 6. Threatens socio-economically important recreational fisheries. 7. Obstructs the collection of species-specific data that are essential for monitoring catches and implementing sustainable fisheries management. 8. Wasteful of protein and other shark-based products. Up to 99 per cent of the shark is thrown away. (taken from www.sharkwater.com) Do your part; sign the petition to save sharks today.

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