Aquarium of the Bay Gathers More Than 3,600 Strong Against Shark Finning
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raising global awareness for shark conservation, Aquarium of the Bay collected and is sending more than 3,600 individualized letters to the National Marine Fisheries Service, urging international bans on shark finning, which kills an estimated 100 million sharks each year. The letters, many embellished with hand-drawn artwork, were gathered in the Aquarium's special Sherman's Lagoon: Finning Isn't Funny exhibit.
"We're pleased that so many guests were affected by our exhibit, and felt strongly enough about shark finning to sign an individual letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service," says Christina Slager, director of husbandry for Aquarium of the Bay. "We appreciate Jim Toomey's generous contribution to the Aquarium's efforts to educate the public about the brutality of shark finning."
Sherman's Lagoon cartoonist and shark conservationist Jim Toomey worked with the Aquarium to develop the exhibit, which opened from June through August of 2010. Toomey uses his nationally syndicated Sherman's Lagoon comic strip to entertain as well as educate by addressing issues including shark finning.
"The volume and variety of these petitions is proof that there is broad support for better shark management," said Jim Toomey.
Shark finning is a widespread and largely unmanaged fishing practice that has spurred a multi-billion dollar industry. After having their fins cut off, the sharks are often tossed back into the sea still alive, where they die a slow death. Scientists estimate that many shark populations are declining dramatically, some by as much as 95%.
Of the 3,605 letters, 2,676 came from visitors across the United States, and 929 from international guests, with Canada, England and France leading the global charge. The campaign is one of several programs led by the Aquarium to protect, care for and study sharks. Learn more at http://www.aquariumofthebay.org/conservation.aspx?q=10083&c=1.
About Aquarium of the Bay
Aquarium of the Bay is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit marine nature center affiliated with The Bay Institute. The Aquarium is dedicated to creating experiences that inspire conservation of San Francisco Bay and its watershed. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and certified as Green Business by the city of San Francisco. Additional information on Aquarium of the Bay is available at www.aquariumofthebay.org, and on The Bay Institute at www.bay.org.
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Christina Slager
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SOURCE Aquarium of the Bay
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