Sea Sheperd Conservation Society

[bottlefish]

Shark fin is an asian delicacy, for the Chinese and some other Asian countries, to order it is to show wealth... a bit like wearing mink coat in the UK back in the 60s/70s. It's becoming increasing popular in China, a common dish to be served up at weddings, banquets etc.... Whilst I agree, education is the key, China is not a country reknown for it's regard to conservation, it's very much a tough and up hill battle.

However China are not able to sustain their own demands from their own waters (not exactly surprising!), so they rely on imports from other countries. If other countries took a stance against export of fins, whilst the desire may still be there the supply wouldn't, however the current estimates are between 70 and 100 million being killed each year worldwide, a large amount of which are directly to meet the China demand. What I find amazing, is that, despite the fact that something like 200 species are listed on the IUCN Red List as endangered, threatened or near threatened, there are only two sharks (the Great White and the Whale Shark) listed within the sister organisation, CITES, limiting international trade.

However, as Ellie says, it's hard to gain a following for Shark Conservation when they have such bad press, I've even had divers voice the opinion that they'd rather see a shark killed then come near them in the water.

Education and raising awareness is key to this, that is why Sharkwater was made. IMHO it does a pretty good job, the only problem being, to date it hasn't really got beyond the viewing circle of the already converted.....

[Baz]

To change a continents attitude is a tremendous undertaking, you are talking about centuries of tradition with regard to the use of natural resources.

We as a nation have raped and pilaged the world of it's bounty and people with little or no regard for the future over the centuries. Just because we now see ourselves as enlightened it does not mean that any other country will share the same view.

Do you think cute and cuddly really makes a difference as there are still seal culls etc? We still export our refuse & contaminated waste to other countries are we really so different?

Now we are consumers rather than producers we suddenly stand on the moral high ground shouting down from our developed economy built on very dubious foundations such as the ivory trade.

Not saying it is right or wrong, just raising a few points.

[EllieCee]

Baz Wrote:Do you think cute and cuddly really makes a difference as there are still seal culls etc? We still export our refuse & contaminated waste to other countries are we really so different?

I do think cute and cuddly makes a difference. Yes we still have seal pup culls, but there is great oppostion to this by a lot of people. And with increased public awareness it gathers momentum. How many people now would feel proud to wear a seal fur coat? You'd have to be pretty thick skinned to do so, but back in the 60's when public awareness was less, it was a status symbol and avery glamorous thing to wear... Yuck!

With regards to contaminated waste, do you mean radioactive? If so, then I thought most of the world dumped it here, via the good old Sellafield Nuclear Reporcessing Plant in Cumbria, and the huge underground radioactive waste stores at Drigg just down the road.

Ellie

[bottlefish]

To put what you are saying in another way, we have looked at our history and have realised our mistakes, now we are trying to make ammends, we've modified our own traditions and methods and are trying to encourage other countries to follow suit. The way you've phrased it makes it sound hypocritical, my view is that it's progress.

And yep, to change a whole contintents established (all be it recent) tradition is a tough call.... however surely better to try then just sit back and give up? There are shark conservation groups starting up within China, people are starting to turn their nose up at the delicacy, people are aware of the issue. That can't be a bad thing.... and if other countries take their own stance, if shark rich territories such as Galapagos/Eucador and Australia refuse to trade in fins, then the current depletion will slow down, regardless of China's beliefs.

Of course, there are many other things that we do, as a country and as the human race, that are damaging the environment. But don't say never mind this, what about that, take them all in, mind all of them.

[Dougalsdad01]

Scuba do ba doo Wrote:

Dougalsdad01 Wrote:An important issue and well worth the read, but I hate titles like this 'PLEASE READ', it's rude to shout and just looks like an advert I get in my inbox for breast enlargement or $25m from Kenya.

Apologise Douglaslad,

but it catches people attension.............but im campaigning for Kenya and any donation will be greatly recieved, no less than £50 tho....lol

My letter of protest has already gone to the Kenya High Commission, one voice amongst many I hope.

Having seen the other about Aus I have sent another letter. I think letters have more impact than petitions.

[Scuba do ba doo]

I posted this thread on Tuesday night at 10pm ish and after watching Sharkwater which is on for 90 minutes so i calculate 360,000 sharks have been slaughted since then.........thats a sobering thought.

But im glad we all have views on this and this discussion is involving all off us.......this is what needs to be done, awareness of whats happening out there.......

But with the way things are in the world today, where do we start and with what!!! sharks are just on a long list if enviromental issues!!!

[Timbo16565]

We must keep this thead going to spead the word about this dvd it is a must see for us divers, as we are the best people to spread the word about what is happening to the sharks in our oceans.

[rick stevens]

I watched this the other night, cant say 'enjoyed' would be a word I would use to say how I felt about it, considering I spent half of the film with my gob wide open and chin on the floor in shock.

There are some brilliant pieces of filming though, and I think it definately gives a realistic view of whats actually happening.

As has been mentioned earlier in the thread, its going to be difficult to raise awareness of this to people who do not have any marine interests, perhaps the fact that there appears to be a free PADI try dive voucher with the DVD may help selling to people with a passing interest.

[Scuba do ba doo]

SORRY TO RANT ABOUT THIS BUT IF IT CHANGES ONE PERSONS VIEWS OUT THERE THAN THAT ONE PERSON WHO COULD DO THE SAME............

IF YOU HAVENT SEEN SHARK WATER THE LINK IS A 10 MINUTE VERSION WITH THE SAME MESSAGE.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMYtuMgwNCY

[Phil O]

EllieCee Wrote:As usual, it seems human profit comes before anything else....

....

It really saddens me to see what is happening to the world due to human destruction.

Ellie

Slowly but surely things will change - I have worked in Energy Conservation for 20 years and have been banging my head against a brick wall for ages trying to get people to understand the impact we are having on the planet. Even now with record energy prices which are likely to increase further (especially with planned legislation in 2010) there is a feeling of apathy around.

But it will change and the change will include what we are doing to our waters and the fish and sharks.

I am the eternal optimist in general and believe this will happen.

Wild Bill AG Wrote:real men dont cry.................. or line dance

My optimism also goes to men line dancing. AG we have regular line dances on the TALA so bring your hat.