http://ga0.org/indefenseofanimals/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=10537669
Animal Advocates Attack Shark Finning
Nationwide effort asks restaurants to drop shark fin soup

In the food marketplace, sharks' fins are considered the only economically valuable part of their bodies. That's why commercial fishermen who hunt sharks simply cut off their fins while they are still alive, and then simply toss their finless bodies back into the ocean. Most die of suffocation, because sharks need to swim in order to breathe. Others slowly bleed to death, or are eaten alive by other fish who are attracted to the scent of fresh blood.

Many countries have passed laws against shark finning. In 2000, the Shark Finning Prohibition Act outlawed this cruel and exploitive activity in U.S. waters, so today, most of the fins used by restaurants to make shark fin soup are supplied by Asian fishing companies. By law, all fins delivered to U.S. ports are supposed to be attached to dead sharks, but enforcement is difficult due to smuggling. Several arrests and convictions indicate that there remains a thriving underground shark fin trade in the country.

Meanwhile, over 100 species of sharks are currently threatened, according to the World Conservation Union, some facing imminent extinction due to irresponsible finning practices. About 70 million sharks are killed for their fins every year, a number that far exceeds the species' ability to reproduce. The absence of these top ocean predators can easily throw vast marine ecosystems into imbalance.

IDA supports the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI)'s nationwide effort to ask restaurants in the U.S. that currently serve shark-fin soup to stop selling the dish immediately. Print out their fold-over coupon and give it to owners of restaurants that sell shark fin products. The coupon includes a message in both English and Chinese requesting businesses that carry the product to "Let Sharks Keep Their Fins - Say No to Shark Fin Soup."

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with more than 85,000 members and supporters dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by protecting their rights and welfare. IDA's efforts include educational events, cruelty investigations, boycotts, grassroots activism, and hands-on rescue through our sanctuaries in Mississippi and Cameroon, Africa.

In Defense of Animals 3010 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, California 94901 - P: (415) 388-9641 F: (415) 388-0388

email: idainfo@idausa.org