Disqualify the Brutal Practice of Shark Finning from the 2008 Olympics!

January 31, 2008

We, the Undersigned, endorse the following petition:

Target: International Olympic CommitteeTens of millions of sharks are killed every year in the brutal practice of “finning” and used in the so-called Chinese delicacy, shark fin soup.

Now with the 2008 Summer Olympics being held in Beijing, China, we have an unprecedented opportunity to protect these magnificent creatures!

"Finning" refers to the practice of cutting off only the shark fins and discarding the body. Often times, the sharks are still alive as their four fins are cut off with a knife. When they're thrown back into the ocean the sharks either bleed to death, or they drown.

The rising consumption of shark fin soup is driving many shark species towards extinction. Shark fin soup, a symbol of privilege and social rank, is served to celebrate important events, including weddings, business meetings and, potentially, Olympic performances. A bowl of shark fin soup can cost $100. A large increase in demand for shark fins, combined with this predator's role in oceanic ecosystems, adds up to an ecological disaster for the world's oceans.

Stand up to the International Olympic Committee to make sure Shark Fin Soup stays off the menu during the Olympic Games!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/424846860