Join the Movement to Protect our Ocean Planet. Version 1- June 2011

Our Vision A return to a clean, healthy and abundant ocean planet. Our Mission Project AWARE Foundation mobilizes the world’s divers into a global force to protect our ocean planet.

Sharks in Peril Marine Debris

Millions of sharks are killed every year… Shark meat for food shark fins for a bowl of soup shark teeth for jewellery shark jaws for tourist souvenirs shark skin for leather wallets/belts shark cartilage for medicine – no proof of medicinal properties shark liver oil for cosmetics/skin care products

The removal of the fins from a shark and discarding the carcass overboard Are there any laws to regulate this? There are finning bans in over 20 countries but it is difficult to enforce Examples: EU allow separate landings of fins and carcass with special permits New Zealand - the ban only applies to live sharks

Estimated 1 out of 5 evaluated species threatened 70-80% decline of some shark populations globally 89% decline of Hammerhead Shark in some regions 90% decline of Porbeagle and Spiny Dogfish in some regions Why are sharks vulnerable to overfishing? Grow slowly, mature late, produce few young Sharks keep marine ecosystems in balance by stopping other species from overpopulating

International management; effective fishing bans, domestic policy CITES operates by controlling the international trade in various wildlife products via a system of import and export permits. CITES currently lists three species of shark: basking, whale and great white. However, all sharks put forward for protection were rejected at the last meeting in March 2010

Project AWARE is lobbying governments to heed scientific advice and provide better protection Campaign momentum to next CITES meeting in ,000 signed the petition so far Lobbying for an effective EU Finning Ban

An end to the practice of shark finning An increase in protection for vulnerable shark species so shark population numbers can improve An increase in the percentage of the ocean currently protected Sharks to be landed with their fins naturally attached for better monitoring

Step 1: Sign the petition Demand better protection of sharks Step 2: Lobby your leaders Step 3: Speak out and teach Step 4: Join the movement Be part of a community of divers taking action for our ocean planet

Sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, fishes and seabirds are affected by marine debris - for example ingest or become entangled in trash. 175,018 Plastic Bottles 89,945 Cigarette Filters 81,878 Plastic Bags 56,653 Food Wrappers 46,109 Beverage Cans 49,061 Caps and Lids In 2010, Project AWARE supporters brought to the surface… And much more….

A reduction in the amount of debris entering the ocean To show the world and log what we see when we go underwater Improved waste management practices.

Step 1: Volunteer Step 2: Remove Debris Step 3: Record Data We need to work together to fill data gaps The data you report will help drive change in how we prevent, reduce and manage waste both locally and globally.

1. Dive carefully 2. Be AWARE of your body and equipment 3. Keep your dive skills sharp 4. Consider your actions 5. Understand and respect underwater life 6. Be an Eco-Tourist 7. Respect underwater cultural heritage 8. Report disturbance 9. Be a role model 10. Get involved

to join a global force of advocates. Why? Divers can play a greater role in making positive changes in the environment We are a powerful economic constituency Our collective voice can be brought to decision-makers to affect real change Together we can connect everything we do locally to achieve our goals on a larger national, regional and international level

Log on to projectaware.org/myocean Join events and volunteer - Dive Against Debris, Shark Specialty Courses Upload your conservation photos and videos Blog, comment – engage with those around you who are taking action Look out for action alerts, online contests, weeks of action to rally your energy and support for the cause

…. we can end unsustainable shark fishing, increase protection for vulnerable shark species and reverse the drastic decline of shark populations worldwide. ….we can provide the underwater perspective of marine debris impacts, take action to reduce waste, improve waste management practices, end littering and prevent debris from entering the ocean A clean and healthy ocean A clean and healthy ocean An abundant ocean rich in diversity An abundant ocean rich in diversity

Thank you. Protecting our Ocean Planet – One Dive at a Time