News about the Galapagos Islands that is not good . . .

[LIVES4SHARKS]

I really couldn't say what I would do coming across this situation. I do know that I would be hysterical and want to seriously whip out a can of whoopass on them. I guess it's just one more place to take off my future dive trips. At this point, from the divers I talk to internationally, many are not seeing sharks on their reefs, especially the larger species. I think this situation is getting critical to the point that we need to do something now! Rob, with the help of some big names in the entertainment and sports industry in China, are releasing Sharkwater all throughout Asia. We can only pray that educating people will help get this under control.

Help protect our Sharks!
Carolyn:sharks:

 

[made4water]

I once was a guide on the "Komodo Dancer", a live-aboard that goes from Bali, Indo to the world hertiage sight, Komodo Island, Indo, diving along the way. And to run across a reef littered with carcasses of sharks from shark finners is THE WORST thing I have EVER seen. One time we came across a couple men stranded at sea in a 20+ ft. wooden piece of crap. Their engine had went out and they were on they're way out to the central Pacific. The Indonesia captian aboard said we must help them. Once we got to their boat to offer assistance, I noticed tons of shark fins in their hold. I protested immediatley! I said we should leave them out here with their glorious catch....to rot. We settled on not towing them but calling them some help. And sure enough the next dive site we hit there were shark bodies all over it. Ugh! I hope Ecuador's president re-thinks this policy, otherwise he will have the world down on his back.

Real world testimonials are the most powerful, and your horrific experience mentioned above truly paints a vivid picture of how cruel and distasteful shark finning is!!!

 

[made4water]

I agree with lives4sharks that its all about educating the mass populations of the world.

 

[docmartin]

Rob Stewart (SHARKWATER) was on board the Sea Shephard with Paul and was filming their trip to Costa Rica to stop illegal fishing in the sanctuaries. During this trip is where Rob got his footage and basically started his crusade against the practices of long line fishing, finning, and illegal fishing in protected sanctuaries. Paul is very impressive, and we need many more of him. It takes alot of courage to put your life on the line for your beliefs, it takes even more to practice what you preach! Regardless, we all need to do something, pass the word, support the agencies protecting our oceans, or just contribute to their funding for projects like Sea Shephard.

Protecting my beautiful Sharks!
Carolyn:sharks:

the Sea Shepard guys have been patrolling the galapagos with one of their boats and are currently trying to raise money for another one. so there is something you can do...

 

[LIVES4SHARKS]

the Sea Shepard guys have been patrolling the galapagos with one of their boats and are currently trying to raise money for another one. so there is something you can do...

Thanks for the information. Here is their link:
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

I am a supporting/contributing member to many conservation organizations. I also do dive expeditions with these organizations, a working vacation if you want to call it that. It doesn't take much to help in any way we can, sharks are just the newest vicitms, we have only just begun to fight!

Happy diving and protecting our oceans!
Carolyn:sharks:

 

[Zorrr2]

Here is just one story of what is happening . .

Sea Shepherd - Sea Shepherd Galapagos Sting Results in Seizure of Over 18,000 Shark Fins

 

[diverdowndh]

As a preliminary, I bought a couple of shirts at the Sea Shepherd website. I'm going to investigate more into giving to them, this whole thread makes me sick - my dream is to go to Galapagos and I hope it isn't too late....

 

[PlayaCountryBoy]

I agree with lives4sharks that its all about educating the mass populations of the world.

I hate to to say it, but the masses in these areas where shark finning is and detrimental fishing techniques are used, they are poor. Like REALLY poor. And they will do what they have to survive. Once I saw a village come out to the beach and literally devour a dead whale that has washed up on shore. :11eee--uuuu! Stinky stuff! They know the other "masses" of the world doesn't approve of their finning and use of fish bombs and cyanide on the reef. But they see dollar signs (or yen) and besides, who is out there to stop them? Nobody! While sailing through the islands of places like Indonesia, you generllay don't have marine police, other yachts, or even a navy, so out there it's free reign. So, maybe rather than spending tons of cash on educating the mass (which already know better), maybe enhance more the marine patroll artillery that would actually enforce the laws rather than taking bribes to cruise on past and turn a blind eye.:mooner: Again, just my opinion, but I was out there for 5 years and that's what I saw. I did see Greenpeace's vessels out there a few time. but Indo is such a spread out nation of islands, it's hard for them to be all over at once wiith just a couple vessels. The age-old question: Anyone else out there have ideas how we can put a stop to the atrocities happening daily around the globe to our precious marine life and live reefs?

 

[paradicio]

When lives4sharks says "educate the masses", I think she is speaking more along the lines of the marketplace for the product. Of course educating those who know what they are doing is wrong will not have the impact we are all looking for. But educating those who buy the product might make a difference.

 

[brian montecno]

land or water everything on and within is a gift for all to enjoy.empower those that are protecting our gifts and future! and remember 2 wrongs don't make a rite eather!!!