Sharkwater fans, we need your help this Wednesday May 8th for Mississauga to stay fin-free.

Federal laws that prohibit shark finning are insufficient to curb the Canadian market for shark fins, which is why the leadership shown with municipal laws prohibiting sales is so crucial. The City of Mississauga is about to vote to reverse their shark fin ban.  Their General Committee voted unanimously to reverse the current ban, and it will be up for vote at the full Council Meeting, this Wednesday, 9 am. We need the public to come early to the Chamber, to be visible and to support them in making the right decision - by email and /or by coming to the meeting.  Click this link so you can email the Councillors.:

Strategy: Our ask is simple:  we are asking Mississauga to stand as a leader in Canada by upholding its ban. It will send a poor leadership message to people throughout the GTA and right across the country if Mississauga repeals its by-law at this time.

The federal private members bill only failed by 5 votes and was supported by every opposition MP - NDP, Liberal, Bloc, Green and Independent….as well as some Conservatives.  There will be support at the federal level if we keep up the pressure in the municipalities. Mississauga has set a wonderful example to the whole country.  Mississauga: Please don’t let us down now. Hold your ban!

am I an idiot to care?

I’m told to save water on showers
on the garden, on flowers
to spend money on a low-flush tank
to wash the dishes by hand

while the city’s sprinklers go like rain
washing the pavement … all down the drain
those who use less will have to pay for
those who use more!

am I an idiot to care?

I’m told to save power, to wear more
to save heat, insulate roof and wall
I should buy a low-energy fridge
seal windows, doors … make the switch!

while the city and hydro complain
the streetlights keep burning into the day
our power gets sold to California
who does not pay …

am I an idiot to care?

I’m told to save gas, get a hybrid car
Walk to work, ride a bike … it isn’t far
plant trees and shrubs to slow the global warming …
instead of tar!

while the city clings to their decisions
wants four-lane roads and subdivisions
land cleared, paved fast, trees gone
big roofs burning into the sun!

am I an idiot to care?

I am told to be earthquate prepared, to store
get food and water, their kit, and more!
It’s a “when” we’re told and not an “if”
the earthquake hits!

While the city wants to change building codes
to promote business, which means more loads …
three levels … of rubble to fall
and bury us all!

am I an idiot to care?

imagine all the money could prevent, restore and do
for our future, air and water, nature, our children, me and you …

to destroy it all for temporary gain
if you ask me: is insane!

a grandmother

This letter shows that you are never too young to speak out and make a difference. THANK YOU FINN!

“Finn is 3 and a half years old now, but started showing great interest in sharks before his 3rd birthday mostly because of “Bruce” the shark in Finding Nemo. Finn was quite concerned when he read that sharks were in danger. To support this interest, we got books about sharks and watched movies about sharks to learn more. Many of the books explained that over fishing due to illegal shark finning, fisherman’s nets and pollution put sharks at risk, and Finn thought he should tell people about this to raise awareness and save sharks. Finn is especially proud of Toronto for banning Shark Fin Soup. It was only after learning from books and other movies that Finn was able to see Sharkwater.

Finn (an avid chef) was reading through a cookbook that included a homemade lemonade recipe, so Finn planned on having a lemonade stand. When planning for this stand (we even had shark fin ice cubes), Finn wanted to include a table that had shark information on it to raise awareness about sharks at risk, and it was then that Finn expressed his desire to have all proceeds go to shark conservation. When people came to purchase lemonade, he talked to them about protecting and saving sharks. He also explained about how each shark is unique and has their own special traits that set it apart from other sharks.

Finn’s favorite shark is the whale shark.”

Petition by
Brian Witkin
San Diego, CA

Sharks must now swim for their lives, due to plans recently announced by Western Australia’s regional government.

Premier Colin Barnett has enacted a six million dollar policy to kill great white sharks that venture into coastal waters frequented by people. The policy, described as a preventative measure, reverses the current approach of killing Great White Sharks only if they have attacked people.

The Conservation Council of Western Austria describes the new approach to sharks as a “guilty until proven innocent” approach and a “knee-jerk reaction to public concern that will harm the environment without protecting swimmers.”

Despite its fearsome reputation, little is in fact known about the Great White. Yet as a so-called apex predator, the loss of the Great White Sharks could result in drastic and far reaching consequences for the global food chain. The shark is already listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

And there is little concrete evidence that killing sharks makes people any safer.

Please sign this petition to help us overturn this knee-jerk policy.

“Child of the Sea” written by Abby Schwarz and Michael Creber

This song was sent to us from Dr. Abby Schwarz who is a marine biologist specialising in animal behaviour and ecology as well as a talented musician and songwriter. Abby is on vocals and Michael Creber is on piano.

It protests shark finning. Their goal is to raise more awareness of the issue, and of the cruelty involved.

Thank you Abby and Michael for sharing this with us.

Simon Ward - Bird Rescue Music