I just received a message (as many of you probably did) from the Peter Hughes organization requesting that we divers write letters to the Disney corporation regarding this issue. Hughes is collecting the letters and intends to give them in bulk to corporate executives at Disney.
The message below is what I wrote. It is addressed to Robert Iger, the new CEO at Disney. I hope many of you will take an opportunity to do the same. Letters can be sent to Hughes via phddivemail@waterpath.com
Dear Mr. Iger,
I have read of Disney's intent to serve shark fin soup at its Hong Kong theme park, and of resistance by Disney to requests by environmental groups and individuals asking it to forgo this.
As a marine biologist and educator for more than 35 years, I wish to add my voice to those requesting Disney to reconsider this issue. I have been a SCUBA diver for nearly 45 years. During that time I have noted a serious decline of sharks in my waters. When I first started diving in California, shark sightings were a regular occurrence. I used to play a game with my students, counting the number of sharks sighted as we crossed the Channel from the mainland to Catalina Island. I don't remember the last time I saw a single shark on one of my crossings.
I have dived world-wide, and often been disappointed to find that sharks have been fished out of many waters they were once common in. As apex (top) predators, they have a significant role in many ecosystems and on many species. There are scientific studies indicating the reduction in shark populations may create a ripple effect through coral reef habitats, causing the coral to decline.
I realize that the general public has a fear of sharks, in part due to the original release of the movie "Jaws." Through diving with them, I have found them to be beautiful and graceful creatures largely undeserving of that reputation. To kill them through the practice of "finning" is horrific. While I try to be understanding of cultural differences, and accommodate them whenever possible, this is one area where a cultural practice is having severe consequences on the world's oceans.
In releasing "Finding Nemo" with Pixar Studios, Disney conveyed a message of environmental sensitivity. I hope Disney will revisit this issue and take an environmentally responsible position rather than adding to the decimation of world shark populations.
Thank you for your consideration.
William W. Bushing, Ph.D.
The message below is what I wrote. It is addressed to Robert Iger, the new CEO at Disney. I hope many of you will take an opportunity to do the same. Letters can be sent to Hughes via phddivemail@waterpath.com
Dear Mr. Iger,
I have read of Disney's intent to serve shark fin soup at its Hong Kong theme park, and of resistance by Disney to requests by environmental groups and individuals asking it to forgo this.
As a marine biologist and educator for more than 35 years, I wish to add my voice to those requesting Disney to reconsider this issue. I have been a SCUBA diver for nearly 45 years. During that time I have noted a serious decline of sharks in my waters. When I first started diving in California, shark sightings were a regular occurrence. I used to play a game with my students, counting the number of sharks sighted as we crossed the Channel from the mainland to Catalina Island. I don't remember the last time I saw a single shark on one of my crossings.
I have dived world-wide, and often been disappointed to find that sharks have been fished out of many waters they were once common in. As apex (top) predators, they have a significant role in many ecosystems and on many species. There are scientific studies indicating the reduction in shark populations may create a ripple effect through coral reef habitats, causing the coral to decline.
I realize that the general public has a fear of sharks, in part due to the original release of the movie "Jaws." Through diving with them, I have found them to be beautiful and graceful creatures largely undeserving of that reputation. To kill them through the practice of "finning" is horrific. While I try to be understanding of cultural differences, and accommodate them whenever possible, this is one area where a cultural practice is having severe consequences on the world's oceans.
In releasing "Finding Nemo" with Pixar Studios, Disney conveyed a message of environmental sensitivity. I hope Disney will revisit this issue and take an environmentally responsible position rather than adding to the decimation of world shark populations.
Thank you for your consideration.
William W. Bushing, Ph.D.
