On September 25, 2017, Hang Hing Herbal Medicine Ltd. imported a shipment containing 22 bags of processed shark fins, declared as fish bone, into Richmond, BC. The Canada Border Services Agency noted that the shipment contained wildlife products and referred it to ECCC Enforcement. Wildlife enforcement officers inspected the shipment and concluded that the products, declared as fish bone, were in fact shark fins. DNA testing was used to determine that the shipment contained two species of shark, one being a CITES Appendix II-listed species, Carcharhinus longimanus (oceanic whitetip shark). An importer must obtain a permit from the country of export before importing an Appendix II species into Canada. No permit to import the 12, 984 Oceanic Whitetip Shark fins had been obtained.
Read MoreBan The Shark Fin Trade
A ban on the shark trade would help keep the ecosystem stable. The low level of sharks
in the oceans has a detrimental effect on the ecosystem as a whole. For instance, the University
of Miami’s organization SRC (Shark Research and Conservation) led by marine biologist Dr
Neil Hammerschlag says that “Our research team found that across reefs where sharks have been
depleted, prey fishes had significantly smaller caudal fins and eyes compared to the reefs with
intact shark populations (up to 40 and 46% relative difference in standardized means).”.
“Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration” announced as theme of World Wildlife Day 2022
According to figures by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, over 8,400 species of wild fauna and flora are critically endangered, while close to 30,000 more are understood to be endangered or vulnerable. Based on these estimates, it is suggested that over a million species are threatened with extinction.
Read MoreCalifornia’s Coolest Sharks- Nicholas Endowment Distinguished Speaker
Learn about California sharks with Shark Stewards Director David McGuire with a talk, multimedia and real sharks at the Ocean Science Institute, Dana Point.
Read MoreTest Your California Shark Knowledge- Survey Results
Results from our Sharktober shark survey- test your knowledge!
There are how many many species of sharks in CA waters:
Shark Attack in Hawaii- What is the Risk?
On December 4, 2021 a man was bit by a shark while surfing at the popular break Banyans in Kailua- Kona between the hours of 5:55 and 6 PM during a period of light rain. Jahred Willieford was waiting for a wave with a nearby
surfer when the shark grasped his arm, pulling him off the board and submerging him before releasing. He reported the shark bit him then spun and hit him in the face with its tail but was able to swim to the adjacent surfer. Aided by his fellow surfer, Mr. Willieford was able to come ashore and was treated by emergency responders
for severe lacerations to his arm, a broken nose and missing teeth.
End of Year Shark Party with Shark Stewards
Join the Shark Stewards board and team presenting our work in 2021 and work ahead.
Shark updates, trivia, strategy and fun.
Learn more about endangered sharks and rays through a conversation on art and science, and saying goodbye to 2021!
Read MoreArt for Sharks: Wildlife Art by Tom Ciccone
Join us for Shark Stewards end of year Art for Sharks event with wildlife artist Tom Ciccone live with board member Pamela Comstock and director David McGuire.
Read MoreArt for Sharks: Tom Ciccione
Join us for the last Art for Sharks event in 2021 with designer and print artist Tom Ciccone.
Read MoreOla Kanaloa! (Life to Kanaloa!)
Join us on December 15th for a live virtual roundtable focusing on Kanaloanuiākea, the great expanse of Kanaloa. Native Hawaiian members of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council discuss the cultural and ecological significance of Kanaloanuiākea, and the need for greater understanding and genuine application of cultural knowledge and values in advocacy, protection, and conservation efforts from mauka to makai – in the uplands and throughout the sea.
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