Earth . . . we share this planet with many diverse and incredible species. Some microscopic, yet important to our continued existence on this planet. Though enduring, the environmental health of our planet is fragile and requires us to be stewards for ourselves and other creatures with which we coexist. 

 According to the World Wildlife Fund:

• All seven species of marine turtles are listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), thus international trade is prohibited amongst the 166 CITES member nations.
• Seven out of the 13 great whale species are still endangered or vulnerable, even after decades of protection.
• Conservation interventions are the product of human decisions, and require changes in human behavior to succeed.

Is there such a thing as “sustainable development”. Should we spend billions upon billions of dollars of exploratory space travel when our fellow humans on other countries or even just across the street are starving? At what costs to others and ourselves do we keep expanding our population? These types of questions require deep thought, honest discussion, and sacrifices. Moving to a paperless society, minimizing unnecessary comforts, and seeking the enjoyment of life’s simplest natural gifts are all ways to protect and safeguard our environment and blue planet on which we live.

A hammerhead shark without a fin sinks to the bottom of the ocean.

Shark Finning

Sharks have survived on this planet for over 450 million years, yet are now in peril of extinction due to "shark finning", which is defined as removing the shark fins and discarding the rest of the shark's body by dumping it into the sea. Without fins, the shark is not able to swim at all and just sinks to the bottom of the sea, dies from its wounds, or more likely be eaten alive by other fish.

This is a world-wide problem with an estimated 100 million sharks killed solely for their fins. This is devastating the population and survival of sharks on a global scale. With this billion dollar industry going unchecked, it is estimated that within ten years, the shark species will be severely threatened since they will be unable to reproduce to the level of which their numbers are being depleted.

Hope on the Horizon

President Barack Obama signed the Shark Conservation Act of 2010. Although shark finning is already illegal in the US, there were some loopholes that now will tighten the ban and hopefully eliminate the practice in US waters.

To learn about what you can do, visit the website http://www.sharkwater.com/