BAN THE SHARK FIN TRADE
Tens of millions of sharks are killed every year for soup
At LUSH, we're committed to doing our part to promote sustainable environmental practices and humane treatment for animals which is why we’ve partnered with Shark Savers to protect our ocean's sharks from the threat of extinction. Every year, tens of millions of sharks are captured and killed for their flesh, cartilage, oil and most importantly, their fins.
We want to see an end to this cruel and wasteful practice. We’re asking our customers to join us and our campaign partners, Shark Savers, by taking the pledge to not eat shark fin soup and to put pressure on your local Government to enforce a ban on the shark fin trade.
What is shark finning?
Shark finning is the brutal practice of capturing and hauling sharks aboard boats, slicing off their fins and tossing the still-living shark back into the ocean. Unable to swim, the de-finned sharks often sink to the bottom of the ocean before bleeding to death or being eaten alive. Not only is finning an entirely unnecessary practice, but it is exceedingly wasteful, with up to 95% of the shark unused.
WHAT is shark fin soup?
Currently illegal in Canadian and US waters, shark finning is a billion dollar industry fueled by the increased demand for shark fin soup, a dish served at weddings, banquets and business dinners in many Asian communities. The soup is commonly perceived to be good for your health, but studies have shown that the soup provides little to no nutrition, and often contains high levels of mercury and other toxic elements.
Watch this video by our campaign partners Shark Savers to discover why a growing movement of people are pledging not to eat shark fin soup.
Bycatch and Longlining
Around the world, oceanic fishing fleets use thousands of baited hooks on miles of longline to catch huge quantities of fish at a time. Unfortunately, many different species of fish are unintentionally caught by the long lines. These fish, termed ‘bycatch’ by the industry, include massive quantities of sharks. The overfishing of sharks, with the added impact of long lining bycatch, has greatly contributed to the threat of their extinction.
Environmental Impact
Sharks have inhabited our oceans for over 450 million years, but in just the last few decades, their populations have decreased by over 90%. A dramatic decline in shark populations is detrimental to the ocean’s ecosystem. Sharks are an apex predator, meaning that they 'set the pace' for the ocean's food web. When any component of this web is removed, the balance in the system is permanently altered.
At LUSH, we believe that tampering with the ocean, controls our planet's temperature and weather, and produces more oxygen than all the rainforests combined, is incredibly irresponsible.
TAKE ACTION!
SAY NO TO SHARK PRODUCTS
- Take a personal pledge to abstain from eating shark fin soup, and choose only sustainable seafood products.
- Refuse to support restaurants or other retail businesses that sell shark fin products.
- Take the time to tell business owners why you are boycotting their products, and encourage them to stop participating in the shark fin trade.
Tell Your Local Lawmakers to BAN the Shark Fin Trade!
Join Shark Savers and LUSH to ban shark finning! Though the act of shark finning is illegal in Canadian and US waters, importing shark fin products is not. As long as shark products can be freely traded, sharks will continue to be slaughtered. Sign Shark Savers online petition here to tell your local lawmakers to ban the shark fin trade in your area.
Purchase Our Limited Edition Shark Fin Soap
Purchase a limited edition Shark Fin Soap and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Shark Savers’ efforts to ban the shark fin trade. A refreshing blend of lime, lavender and seaweed, Shark Fin Soap is the perfect way to cool down this summer!
About Shark Savers
Founded in 2007 by six long-time divers, Shark Savers is a leading non-profit organization that is dedicated to the protection of sharks. Shark Savers has over 10,000 members in 99 countries who are working together to educate the public about shark conservation. For more information on Shark Savers, or to join their fights against shark finning, visit www.sharksavers.org
Sources:
http://www.sharkfriends.com/sharks/sharkfinning.html
http://www.wildaid.org/index.asp?CID=7&PID=678
http://www.sharksavers.org/