WildLifeRisk - one more gruesome Video!

Source.

And it's not only about those poor Whale Sharks.

Here's another look at the Shark slaughtering industry.

As per this older post by Gary, this is about much more than just the fins and the soup - and those in the movement that continue to indulge in racist attacks against the Asians would be well advised to have a long hard look at who kills the majority of Sharks (yes that would be the EU) and where the demand for those bogus dietary supplements comes from, namely predominanly Europe and the USA!

Solutions?

And yes, I'm very much repeating myself!

Anyway, watch.

We believe in Accountability and Sustainability!

Source.

And I cite.

about omojo
Omojo" is a global leader for marine bio-nutraceutical product development, with U.S. headquarters in Burlington, WA. Our name, Omojo, derives from the magic of ocean biodiversity whose mysteries and resources hold infinite promise for promoting human health and well-being.

» We believe in accountability. 
100% traceable raw ingredients. total manufacturing control. commitment to third party certification.

» We believe in sustainability 
taking the long view. not compromising today for tomorrow. knowing that good environmental and social practices = good business.

Right. 

Now, please read this and this.

Big congratulations to Alex and Paul of WildLifeRisk for having unveiled the abomination that is that Whale Shark slaughterhouse.
Abhorrent as this is, protection conferred under CITES II is not absolute - and here somebody is obviously brazenly exploiting the resulting loopholes, and this very likely coupled with  profiteering from poaching and corruption.

China may be far away - but not Burlington, WA!

Just sayin'!

Man&Shark!

Synopsis

From the beaches of Africa, to the ports of the Middle East , a shark fin odyssey arrives back at Ground Zero... Hong Kong.
'Man & Shark' is book, and short film of the same name, which explores the barbaric practice of shark-finning in developing nations, so that consumers in Hong Kong and China can eat shark fin soup at their weddings, company banquets and other celebrations.

The multimedia project aims to show why sharks, as the ocean's apex predators, are necessary to keep the marine ecosystem in balance. 'Man & Shark' also bears witness to the ignorance of shopkeepers selling shark fin in Hong Kong. It also explores why Chinese people eat shark fin soup in the first place, and the dangers to health from mercury poisoning.

'Man & Shark' was conceived in Mozambique, Yemen, and Hong Kong, and includes many underwater images of sharks from all over the world.

I say - stunning!
Yes Alex came through on his promise and I'm holding the book in my hands: fantastic pictures, great layout, compelling message. Paul and Alex have gone to great lengths in order to document and publicize the decline of a whole group of animals. Should everything fail, this book will stand forever as a first of its kind and historical document.
Great job, to the point that we shall post a link on our home page, like we've done for the books by Timbo and the epic book by Jimmy.

The question being, will this make a difference?
I just don't know. Apparently, and I tend to agree with this view, the most effective strategy for influencing public opinion in favor of conservation is to show beauty, not horror, very much in line with what Jimmy is trying to achieve. I'm also very much on record with my personal views about the non-effectiveness of trying to re-educate the consumer in the case of a supply limited fisheries like that for Sharks.
But having said this, I recently spent some time with some brilliantly intelligent people who promote that course of action and have become somewhat less absolutist in the process. Mind you: not totally convinced by any stretch of the imagination - just more hopeful!
Yes, it's complicated as always!

So here's to that hope, and to a fantastic job by two passionate people!

Certified Shark Fins?

I was recently reminded of this post.

Actually, in a very nice way!
Alex Hofford got in contact telling us that he and Paul Hilton had just published this book , and that he was sending us a copy.

Can’t wait to see it and to rip it to shreds!
Just kidding! From what I can see, it’s the first of its kind to specifically explore the demise of Sharks and will very likely become a must have for any Shark lover.
And yes, I will blog about it once we get it!

Anyway!
I now find this astounding press release and read
Public education will "provide consumers with the ability to ensure the marine products they purchase are genuine and legally imported, while we will also help launch product certification for marine products"
Wow - may we really be witnessing progress?

Dunno who the Marine Products Association of Hong Kong really is, and who/what it stands for, and I certainly do neither like nor believe it when they claim that 90 percent of sharks are accidentally harvested, meaning they are by-catch, and not caught on purpose. Mind you, I don’t know the actual figures (does anybody?) – but this is just highly implausible, FAO or no FAO! Plus, I'm old enough to remember who claimed that the Oceans would feed humankind and advocated drift nets and long lines!

Having also seen a February document by the same org with and equally well worded but ultimately, anti-Shark content, my got feeling is caveat emptor – but then again, it IS a beginning.
Let’s keep watching as the situation unfolds.

Mary? Any objections - so far? :)