Sharks are in trouble all over the world. According to many sources 70-100 million sharks are killed in commercial and recreational fisheries annually. As apex predators, sharks play an important role in the ecosystem by maintaining the species below them in the food chain and serving as an indicator for ocean health. They help remove the weak and the sick as well as keeping the balance with competitors helping to ensure species diversity.Hundreds of shark species are considered threatened by targeted finning operations and accidental bycatch in commercial fisheries. The international demand for shark fins is the primary driving force behind most shark fisheries and their continuing decline. I am constantly reminded of this terrible fact when I encounter sharks with hooks in their mouths on many shark dives. Some are rusting, and some have multiple hooks.....it is always a heartbreaking sight to see.

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Only a sample of Sharks I have photographed living with hooks in their mouths:

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Here are some of the things you can do to be a Shark advocate 

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• Dive with sharks. The more money that goes into shark tourism the more people will realize the value of living sharks.

• Refuse to eat shark fin soup and don't eat at restaurants that serve it or any type of shark on the menu.

• Don't use any cosmetics unless they are certified Shark Free.

• Watch the documentaries Sharkwater, and Sharkwater Extinction.....you will be moved to action for sure.

• Seventeen countries have already banned shark finning. Find out if your country is one of them. If not, write your local government official asking them to ban shark finning.

• Demand that your country also stop the importation, sale, or trade of shark fins.

• Write a letter to the Secretary General of the UN requesting international bans on shark finning and the importation of fins.

• Encourage others to do the same for all the above ideas. 

• Keep informed of the issue online at: www.finfree.org, www.seashepherd.org, www.wildaid.org, www.cocosisland.org, www.sharktrust.org, www.savingsharks.com,  www.sharkwater.com,  www.projectaware.org.