Divers for Sharks has a campaign to defend not only the marine environment, but the livelihood of people who depend on the recreational diving industry and which may be at stake if we don´t act now in a coordinated manner.

As you are most likely aware, sharks are becoming globally threatened with extinction due to abusive industrial fishing. An estimated 100 million sharks are being slaughtered every year, mostly to maintain an international demand for shark fins.

Sharks are not only an essential part of the marine ecosystem (without which, as proven by scientific studies, the balance of food webs is shattered and the health of the oceans is compromised): SHARKS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR THE DIVING INDUSTRY, both for these ecological roles and for their direct value as attractions for thousands of diving operations around the world. However, divers are witnessing a sharp decline in shark sightings worldwide, which results in a net loss of dive site attractiveness and may result in direct business losses for the operators and associated enterprises, such as dive shops and hotels.

As divers and dive operators, we generate expressive figures in jobs and revenues for coastal communities around the world. Nevertheless, it appears that we are never heard when the conservation and adequate management of marine resources such as sharks is discussed in international fora. The global shark massacre goes unchecked partly because we´re not respected as legitimate stakeholders in marine conservation. That´s why we, as concerned divers, started Divers for Sharks and became part of the Pew Environment Group´s shark conservation efforts (http://www.pewtrusts.org/our_work_detail.aspx?id=140 ).

There are powerful lobbies at work to prevent protective measures to be adopted. We want the diving industry voice to be heard, and intend to deliver a strong joint message supporting shark conservation to multilateral organizations and national government authorities worldwide. Therefore, we would very much appreciate if you could add your support to the petition we started at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/m/sign/688704695 and join us at Divers for Sharks.

Cordially, on behalf of Divers for Sharks,

Paulo Guilherme Alves Cavalcanti, “Pinguim”