Launch of First Ever European Shark Week: 'Every Fin Counts!'

The Shark Alliance, a coalition of forty NGOs dedicated to science-based conservation of sharks, is delighted to announce the launch of the first ever EUROPEAN SHARK WEEK, which will be running from 8th – 14th October. Using the catchy slogan 'Every Fin Counts!' – European Shark Week will offer an ideal opportunity for everyone from individuals through to aquariums and other large organisations, to demonstrate their support for shark conservation in Europe.

Across Europe, aquariums, dive groups and conservation organisations will be getting involved in numerous activities – from holding presentations and talks, to running participatory events and competitions.  Throughout the week, as many people as possible will be encouraged to sign “fins” (hence the catchphrase ‘Every Fin Counts!'), expressing their support for effective shark conservation measures.  The Shark Alliance aims to present these “fins” later this year to European Commissioner Joe Borg, responsible for European Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.

“We are very excited by the launch of European Shark Week,” said Uta Bellion, Director of the Shark Alliance.  “Europe is a significant player in the global catch, consumption and trade of shark products. Yet with little, to no management, many shark populations are threatened with extinction, in European waters as well as in other regions of the world where the EU fleet fishes.  European Shark Week is therefore a wonderful opportunity to show the high level of support for shark conservation across Europe, and will hopefully lead to the timely implementation of a European Community Action Plan on Sharks."

"By making their voices heard during European Shark Week,” added Ali Hood, Director of Conservation for the UK based Shark Trust, who developed the concept of Shark Week, “aquariums and shark enthusiasts – in fact, everyone - can play a key role in preventing further decline of shark populations in EU waters and elsewhere where the EU fleet is fishing."

If you would like to “make your fin count,” please go to http://www.sharkalliance.org/makemyfincount.asp and add your signature to a “fin.”  Remember: ‘Every Fin Counts!'