As I rode my motorcycle back home, in the freezing and rather unusual temps of South Florida, I pondered on what I had seen and listened to, while attending the First Annual South Florida Shark Conservation party. Before I do the usual name drooping and non profit promotion, let’s get to what I thought was the most important message of this evening. In order to fight and win the battle dealing with the politics and economics involved in shark conservation, let’s make sure all of us involved in it, know our data right. Let’s educate ourselves properly. Use online ressources and reach out to shark biologists, professors and non profits to make sure you are not just an idealist shark hugger but, most importantly well educated to fight and win an argument. To start, know the “golden” dramatic and sad number. Dr. Samuel Gruber and newly professored Neil Hammerschalg from University of Miami confirmed this evening that the number of shark slaughtered every year is close to a 100 millions and that it was a conservative estimate.
We then got a nice treat from the guys at 333 productions and talented film maker Joe Romero as they presented “Lateral Lines” a short film on three pelagic sharks: Mako,Blue and White. Great story telling and photography as usual. Th evening presentation followed with PSA’s from Oceanic Defense and Shark Savers/Wild Aid on campaigns involving catch and release for shark tournaments and Say No To Shark FIn Soup backed by famous Yao Ming.
As a closing, we had talented guitar player and songwriter singing his shark songs. Fun! wish I had gotten his name, the guy is talented.
Looking forward to see further events and colaborations in between non profits fighting for similar interests. As we say in French “L’union fait la force” (Unity gives power).
For the name dropping part… fun to meet and see again Samantha Whitcraft of Oceanic Defense Brendal Davis and Julie Andersen from Shark Savers and Lawrence Groth and Mary O’Malley (and Lupo) from Shark Safe Network. Of course let’s not forget the guy who got me into the shark crowd and my brother in the blue, Felix Leander from Oceanic Dreams and his blog .
OM~
photo by Felix Leander
