Earth Protect Blog

BY: CHARLOTTE BEAUDOIN

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Did you tune in to Discovery Channel’s insanely popular Shark Week last month? If you did, you’re certainly not alone. Each year, millions of Americans gather around their television sets to learn more about these fascinating yet often misunderstood creatures. But did you know that sharks are the ones in danger? 

Each year up to 73 million sharks end up in the global shark fin trade. This trade incentivizes the gruesome act of finning – the process of removing a shark’s fins – typically used in shark fin soup – and then throwing the shark back into the ocean where it is left to die.

While shark finning is illegal in U.S. waters, the shark fin trade is still legal in many states, and this needs to change. Bipartisan legislation that would ban the sale of shark fins throughout the country is currently awaiting action in Congress. The House and Senate need to act to protect sharks.  

To increase awareness of the threats facing sharks, Oceana’s field team hosted events around the country in honor of Shark Week. Highlights from these fun fin-themed events are below.

Enjoy!

P.S. don’t forget to add your voice to support the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act here!