Join the Call-in Day to Ban Shark Fin in California

by Sarah Parsons · 2011-09-23 14:10:00 UTC
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California's shark fin ban (AB 376) is just one step away from becoming law. After passing both and the House and Senate, the bill is now on Gov. Brown’s desk, where he can either sign or let it die.

Gov. Brown will likely make his final decision on Wednesday, September 28th. Your call on Monday, September 26th, supporting AB 376 is critical for the fate of sharks. The shark fin trade is especially huge in California, which represents about 85 percent of the total U.S. shark fin consumption. A ban on shark fin in California would make waves across the U.S. and throughout the world’s oceans.

Fin importers and the restaurant industry are spending big money to lobby the governor to veto AB 376, enlisting the help of politicos like Willie Brown and Pius Lee to put pressure on the governor. Right now is a crucial time for ocean supporters to rally around the passage of AB 376.

That’s why the Asian Pacific American Ocean Harmony Alliance (APA Alliance) is holding a call-in day Monday, September 26th. It’s easy to get involved. Just follow these simple steps:

1) Dial the general number for Governor Brown: 916-445-2841. Press "2" on the list of call options to "voice your opinion on legislation."

2) Press "0" to speak to a representative and say you want to leave a message about AB 376 for Gov. Brown.

3) Use this script to voice your support for AB 376, or leave your own message. The more personal the story, the better. “California elected Jerry Brown to be governor, not lobbyist Willie Brown. Please reject backdoor power politics for hire by the shark fin industry and do what's right for the environment...please sign AB 376 into law...the survival of sharks and the ocean will depend on it.”

4) You can also email the Governor’s office by using this online form. The more ways we can apply pressure on Gov. Brown, the better.

5) Tell us how the call went by filling out this quick survey: https://changedotorg.wufoo.com/forms/yes-i-made-a-call-for-sharks/

More than 73 million sharks are killed every year through finning, a brutal process where fishermen cut off sharks’ fins and tails and then throw the maimed fish overboard to slowly bleed to death or drown. The demand for shark fin soup is what’s push some shark populations to decline by 90 percent in recent years, a situation that puts entire ocean ecosystems in jeopardy.

Time is running out to conserve sharks. Gov. Brown will most likely decide the fate of AB 376 this week, so it’s important to act now. Please call and email the governor and sign the APA Alliance’s petition supporting the passage of AB 376.

Photo credit: Joi via Flickr

Sarah Parsons is Change.org's Sustainable Food Editor. Her work has appeared in Popular Science, OnEarth, Audubon and Plenty.

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