Fintastic Friday: Help Sharks Worldwide

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is helping WhaleTimes.org spread valuable conservation information about the plight of our oceans' sharks through a day of awareness called "Fintastic Friday!"

Why A Day of Awareness for Sharks?

Every year, human beings kill as many as 100 million sharks all over the world. Most of these animals are killed as the result of illegal fishing, out of prejudice or ignorance about these fish, or the result of an inhumane practice known as "finning." As a result of these practices, shark populations have plummeted 75% to 90% in many ecosystems. Worldwide, sharks have little or no protection.

What is Shark Finning?

Shark finning involves the removal and retention of shark fins while the rest of the animal is often thrown back into the sea, usually still alive. Shark finning has increased over the past decade due to increased demand for Chinese shark fin soup and its use in traditional and folk medicine. This practice is widespread and largely unmonitored.  Although finning does not occur in American waters, concerned individuals can take action to help sharks that live in areas where this practice does occur.  Check out these websites for additional information:

• Stop Shark Finning
• Shark Trust
• Shark Research Institute
  
  

What About Oregon's Sharks?

Although our local shark populations are not imperiled by practices such as finning, many species common to Oregon coastal waters migrate into other areas where they may not be so lucky. Additionally, many people still do not understand the importance of this apex predator to keeping our oceans healthy. Educating yourself about the importance of sharks to the ocean ecosystem, both in Oregon and elsewhere, is a great first step toward helping them.  You can also take these simple actions to protect sharks:

• Support conservation efforts. You can research various nonprofit organizations online and then support it with your dollars, your time and your voice. 
  
• Take vital political and social action. Ask your elected officials to ensure the enforcement of the Endangered Species Act or creation of new legislation that protects sharks and other Oregon marine life.
• Build awareness in your community. Learn all you can about endangered shark species so you can educate others. Share your information with your children so they will be shark-aware as well.
• Avoid purchasing products made from sharks. Shark leather, trophy teeth, and seafood such as shark fin soup all create a retail demand for products from this rapidly diminishing species.
  
  

Learning More About Sharks Through the Oregon Coast Aquarium:

• If you are visiting the Aquarium soon, you can learn a lot about our local sharks in our Passages of the Deep exhibit. 
• The Aquarium gift shops carry a huge selection of shark-related merchandise, including educational videos, books, toys and apparel.  Make sure you check out our "Stop Shark Finning!" T-shirt while you're there!
  
• Our Education Department offers programs on sharks, including an upcoming summer day-camp for kids entitled "Shark Central."
• Our Sleep with the Sharks program will offer to you a unique way to appreciate these amazing fish.
• You can support our Aquarium sharks through an adoption of one of our amazing Broadnose Sevengill Sharks.