(SHARK FIN) The cruel act of shark finning will no longer be tolerated in Europe, as the EU parliament officially banned the practice last week. With parliamentary approval, the measure will now hold strong and be enforced, aiding in shark protection and preservation. Ocean conservationist groups around the world applaud the European efforts and hope other nations will follow suit. Read on to learn more about this favorable plan. — Global Animal
(ENVIRONMENT) NEW ORLEANS — Last Thursday, British Petroleum (BP) plead guilty to numerous criminal charges associated with the 2010 disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Over the next five years, more than half of the 4.5 billion charged to BP in the settlement will go to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), an independent non-profit conservation group. NFWF plans to direct the funds for environmental restoration, preservation, and conservation efforts throughout the Gulf region. Although no amount of money can rectify the oil spill’s devastating environmental and wildlife destruction, this steep find shows that the Department of Justice is at least conscious of the gravity of the situation. Read on to learn more about the settlement surrounding the deaths of 11 workers and the spill of 206 million gallons of crude oil. — Global Animal
(OCEANS) CALIFORNIA — The Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant, owned by Pacific Gas & Electric, wants to undergo a 3D seismic survey for details on fault lines in order to assess the plant’s safety. Problematic with this survey, however, is the fact that the facility lies on the border of the San Luis Obispo coastline. The proposed method of testing is potentially life-threatening to millions of young fish and other local marine wildlife who reside near the power plant’s blasting zone. The California Coastal Commission met yesterday to seek their approval for the new off-shore research and, after almost 150 activists spoke against the testing, the commission voted unanimously to deny the seismic testing permit application. Do you think the possibility of harming the area’s sea life worth undertaking seismic research for nuclear safety? Read on for more information about this controversial research and take our poll below. — Global Animal
(SHARKS) As it turns out, dogs aren’t the only ones saving human lives. A policeman was brought to safety by a shark last week after having drifted in the Pacific Ocean for a near record-breaking 106 days. With countless horror films like the legendary Jaws circulating, sharks have a reputation for being aggressive, man-eating creatures. In this real-life instance, though, this shark acts as an unlikely lifesaver. — Global Animal
(DOLPHIN PROTEST) The dolphin drive hunting season is quickly creeping upon us. On September 1, off the coast of the Wakayam Prefecture of Japan, fishermen are going to set out on their boats in the annual bloody hunt for dolphins. On August 31 and September 1, rallies and peaceful protests are being held worldwide to take a stand against these horrifying activities. — Global Animal
(SHARK NEWS) Over the years, Discovery Channel’s Shark Week has gained millions of viewers and even stretched across seas. Most tune in for the thrill, but animal activists are worried if this negatively depicts our fish while straying from the terrible reality that humans kill tens of millions of sharks per year. Humans are rarely threatened by sharks, but a lot of the episodes from Shark Week largely focus on the aggressive nature of Great Whites, a type of shark that seldom mistakes humans for seals. While MythBusters does a fantastic job reminding us we are more likely to die from a Black Friday stampede or even a hotdog than from a shark attack, this is just one episode competing amongst 160 other. Read on to learn more about how the series could help sharks by highlighting the dangers we put them through. — Global Animal
(ANIMAL WELFARE) After much speculation and controversy, a recent expose has finally confirmed the maltreatment and neglect of animals at Marineland in the Great Lakes. Eight former Marineland employees came forward, providing the sad details of animals’ physical suffering and poor living conditions at the amusement park. A surge of new protesters are expected to join an animal advocacy group in a demonstration outside Marineland this Saturday, where copies of the investigation will be handed out to people entering the park. Read on to learn more about the details of the investigation. — Global Animal
(TAKE ACTION) The infamous Shark Week on Discovery Channel has inspired a company to focus their attention on some of the most misunderstood animals on our planet. TOMS Shoes, known for their generosity in poverty-stricken areas, has launched a line dedicated to shark conservation. Proceeds made from every pair go to protecting sharks and their habitats. Alongside these efforts, TOMS has been conducting research excursions and discussions revolving around shark preservation. Read on for more about this limited edition fashion line and how else you can help these fascinating fish. — Global Animal
and a portion of your purchase – in any department – is donated to Global Animal Foundation.
