May 11, 2012

(Fintastic Friday is celebrated on the 2nd Friday in May every year)

WhaleTimes has teamed up with the awesome scientists at the Shark Research Institute (SRI) to raise awareness of the plight of sharks through a new holiday event: Fintastic Friday!

Why a holiday for sharks? People kill as many as 100 million sharks every year. Many of those just for their fins. Shark populations have plummeted 75% to 90% in many ecosystems. Worldwide, sharks have little or no protection.

About 11,415 sharks die every hour

WhaleTimes and SRI knew kids could and should be the voice of change for this indispensable predator. Help us ‘save the sharks’ by raising awareness and appreciation of this awesome predator, gather signatures for the Shark Research Institute’s important “No Finning” efforts, and more.

We can't save sharks....alone. We need you. THEY NEED YOU!

(This program is FREE)

73 million sharks are killed
just for their fins every year
©The Dorsal Fin.com All rights Reserved

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY

UPDATE: Oct. 10, 2011 California PROTECTS sharks!!! On October 7, 2011 the CA governor signed into law the Shark Protection Act! Way to go California. Thank you for joining Hawaii, Oregon and Washington in taking such a huge step to protect sharks. only 46 states to go!

UPDATE: August 4, 2011: WhaleTimes Director Ruth A. Musgrave and Sam, the SeaPup were honored to witness Oregon's Governor sign the historic HB 2838 – “The Shark Fin” Bill into law! Way to go Oregon and especially Representative Brad Witt for taking such a huge step to protect sharks! Thank you for making a difference!

UPDATE: June 2, 2011 OREGON's "Shark Fin" law goes to Governor!!!! Awesome, the people of Oregon and Washington should be proud to be the 2nd and 3rd states to pass such an important law!! You have joined Hawaii in taking a giant step to SAVE OUR SHARKS! (Click here to read the latest.)

#1 Your signature, and your friends, can save a shark! Print out the No Finning forms from SRI. Gather signatures (first name only), then mail signed forms to to the Shark Research Institute. They share to show kids care!	#2 Let people know you are helping to save sharks with a "Shark Conservation Zone" sign! Print it then post it on your door, in your class, the front of your school, at your community center, on your grandma's rocker....any where it'll get noticed! (Okay, ask grandma first!) It's time to get Zoned!!!
#3 Learn everything about sharks by reading a great new book: National Geographic Kids Everything Sharks Glide with great whites, tiger sharks, bull sharks, and hammerheads. Tear into facts about shark hunting habits and diet. See what's feared most in the ocean: sharks or people. Then test your shark smarts to see what you learned. Everything? Way to go! Now you are the Shark expert! By Musgrave, Ruth A. (ISBN 9781426307690)	#4 Discover more about sharks Shark Top Ten These sharks may be at the top of the list of most well-known and misunderstood. Unfortunately, they’re also the top species in danger by human behavior. Links to learn more about the top ten sharks. Sharks 101
#5 *Learn about amazing shark research* Celebrating sharks is just the first step. Studying them, discovering more about their natural history helps scientists determine the best ways to protect them. Here are some links to scientists making a difference for sharks	#6 Sharks in the Park Rally Everyone loves a party. You can celebrate sharks in your backyard, at your school, at your local park. It's easy.
#7 Tell a friend about sharks.	#8 Sign our On-line Petition Add your (first) name to our growing on-line list of shark supporters! (Kids must ask a parent first.)
#9 Find out how Sam, the SeaPup and other kids are saving shark and celebrating Fintastic Friday...read Sam's Blog	#10 Do you have a question about sharks? Ask Jake, the SeaDog....
#11 Add your story to our Neverending Shark Tale....	#12 Awesome Shark Activities You can do for fun or as part of your Sharks in the Park rally
#13 Write your state's legislature TODAY showing your support of passing a shark protection bill like those passed in Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and California. California Assembly Bill AB376 Shark Fin Ban, California AB376 If you need a sample letter, click here. You don't have to write much, just share your thoughts. (And always be respectful, they may not know sharks are in trouble...you can help them understand this by sharing the facts and suggesting they follow the lead of other states...) Write your own state's legislatures supporting the passing of anti-shark finning laws.	#13 continued UPDATE: June 2, 2011 OREGON's Anti-shark fin law goes to Governor!!!! Awesome, the people of Oregon should be proud to be the 2nd state to pass such an important law!! YEA OREGON. You have joined Hawaii in taking a giant step to SAVE OUR SHARKS! (Click here to read the latest.) UPDATE: Washington State's Anti-Finning Bill (5688) was passed by the state's House and Senate. It will go into effect July 22, 2011! (Read more) California (California Assembly Bill AB376)...what are you waiting for? What about your state? Write your state reps to encourage them to make a difference and help sharks today.
#14 Print an, I Made a Difference by Saving Sharks certificate	#15 Mark your calendar to celebrate Fintastic Friday NEXT YEAR: May 11, 2012

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