SHARK ALLIANCE, PROJECT AWARE AND PADI
European Shark Fisheries – Predator turned Prey
PADI and the Project AWARE Foundation have been members of the Shark Alliance for many years contributing to the coalition’s great successes for shark conservation. Project AWARE is a member of the coalition’s Steering Committee since 2009.
The Shark Alliance currently counts 72 members and is more than ever before committed to restoring and conserving shark populations by improving shark conservation policies.
At the beginning of 2009, the European fisheries ministers debated over the European Commission's Plan of Action for Sharks and adopted it thanks in large part to support from many of you who took action during last year’s European Shark Week. European Shark Week 2008 saw the collection of more than 100,000 signatures. This was a huge success for the Shark Alliance and more importantly for shark conservation not only in Europe but worldwide. Hope lies with the new Shark Plan. The Plan sets the stage for vast improvements in EU shark policies, including the finning ban. Its success depends on collaboration and action by EU Fisheries Ministers and the European Commission. Fishery managers need encouragement from the European public to follow through on the Plan’s initiatives and truly safeguard sharks.
Take action during European Shark Week, 10-18 October 2009
PADI would like to draw your attention in particular to this year's European Shark Week and also to the petition calling on European citizens around the world to help turn the tide for sharks. PADI is urging all PADI divers to take action during European Shark Week 2009 by:
- Signing the shark petition: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish
- Sharing this page with your family, friends, work colleagues, and fellow PADI divers
- Downloading the paper version of the petition and collecting signatures in your school, dive centre, or work place: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish
- Holding an event to help celebrate sharks. This could be a presentation, Kid’s activity such as an art contest, shark speciality course, an exhibition of shark photos or an information stand. PADI and Project AWARE looks forward to receiving your best stories and event photos.
Your voice counts. Please help PADI, Project AWARE and the Shark Alliance promote shark conservation including urgently needed revisions to the EU finning ban. European Shark Week is a unique opportunity for European citizens around the world to demonstrate their support for shark conservation and effect urgently needed changes.