I’m going to assume you know the awesomeness that is Shark Week on Discovery Channel. Whether you grew up around the water (like me) or were somewhere land-locked (like where I went to college), it’s hard not to have an appreciation for sharks. And, sure, maybe it’s because they scare the crap out of you, thanks to Jaws and the occasional shark attack story, but they’re also amazing creatures that have been around for more than 400 million years.
As incredible as they are, they’re also in danger. According to an Oceana press release, “Each year, commercial fishing kills more than 100 million sharks worldwide — including tens of millions just for their fins.” That’s why Oceana, the largest conversation organization in the world focused solely on the world’s oceans, has partnered with Discovery Channel to provide information on the plight of sharks and let people know what they can do to help. Included will be blogs, information posted on social media sites and public service announcements airing nightly during Shark Week, which starts on Sunday, August 1.
In addition, both Oceana and Discovery Channel want the US Senate to pass the Shark Conservation Act, one that would “put an end to shark finning, as well as improve shark fishery management and international conservation efforts.”
You can learn more about Shark Week here and about the Shark Conservation Act here.
Photo by alfonsator via Flickr.