Target: Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of International Maritime Organization
Goal: Protect at-risk sharks and other endangered marine species.
Shark attacks have ramped up in the news lately, but these rare instances do not tell the true story. Currently, nearly 400 shark species are listed on the Red List of endangered species. This sad statistic highlights a harsh reality: humans are much more of a danger to sharks than sharks are to humans. One of the most unique and distinct species, the unmistakable great hammerhead, may face the greatest threat of all.
A man recently made headlines when he captured one of the massive sharks and then released the animal. Unfortunately, most hammerheads ensnared by humans, either by accident or by design, are not so lucky. Ninety percent of captured hammerheads die. These odd-looking sharks can measure up to 20 feet long, and they prowl the waters mostly alone, which makes them potentially easy targets for human hunters.
In addition to their elongated heads, the sharks also have large fins. These structures are highly coveted for their use in shark fin soup. As a result, opportunistic hunters routinely prey upon great hammerheads in order to take their fins. This relentless slaughter is a driving reason why the shark is considered a critically endangered species at dire risk of extinction.
Despite their bleak status, great hammerheads still have no direct conservation protections. Sign the petition below to demand one of the world’s leading organizations provide these desperately needed safeguards.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary-General Lim,
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea has identified many at-risk marine species, including the highly endangered great hammerhead shark. This agreement has done little to nothing, however, in devising and implementing actionable policies that can protect these species. The great hammerhead, for example still enjoys no wide-scale conservation protections anywhere in the world.
While human beings selfishly indulge their desire for culinary oddities like shark fin soup, truly unique and irreplaceable species like the great hammerhead are in danger of vanishing forever. Please help reverse these tragic trends by making the convention’s aims more than just lip service.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Jim Capaldir
