Target: Rhea Suh, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council
Goal: Praise conservation groups for fighting to uphold the ban on imported seafood obtained using gillnets.
In a victory for conservationists, the United States Court of Appeals upheld a ban on imported seafood caught in gillnets. Gillnets are dangerous to sea mammals, especially the critically endangered vaquita porpoise.
For the third time, the departments of Commerce, Treasury, and Homeland Security tried and failed to undo a ban on seafood imports that are obtained using gillnets. Conservation groups have been fighting for this ban in a desperate attempt to save the endangered vaquita porpoise, as detailed in this ForceChange petition. Over 95 percent of the vaquita population has been lost, and Mexico’s use of gillnets in their habitat has expedited their extinction. This ban, enforced by the U.S. Court of Appeals, will put pressure on Mexico to stop using gillnets and give the vaquita a fighting chance.
Sign below to thank the Natural Resource Defense Council for mobilizing to uphold this ban and protect this majestic species.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear President Suh,
The vaquita porpoise has been given another chance, thanks to NRDC’s successful legal campaign to uphold the ban on Mexican-imported seafood. Because of this victory, vaquitas stand a fighting chance at survival. As you know, Mexico’s fishing methods are dangerous to sea mammals and have nearly caused the vaquita’s extinction. I want to thank you for supporting animal conservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: BryanHanson
Thank you! We cannot always wait until every species is almost gone to do something about it. We must act quickly! There are always better ways to do things without harming others.
THANK YOU!