Shark Safe Legislation

• Action Plan:
  
  In general, always try to find out if there is an organization or individual who is already well versed, well connected and involved with this effort. Contact this group or person and find out what you and the Shark Safe Network can do to assist with their efforts. This approach will be more effective than starting from scratch.
  
  Also please check the Campaigns Page for current petitions and other ongoing efforts that you may want to support.
  
  State and Regional Fisheries Department Regulations:
  1. Familiarize yourself with current commercial and recreational shark fishing regulations - federal and for your state. Legislation / Shark Fishing Regulations)
  2. Keep abreast of any proposed changes to regulations regarding sharks. To do this you can sign up for updates from the NOAA Fisheries - Office of Sustainable Fisheries - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species. (http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/breaking_news.htm)
  3. Fisheries departments hold meetings to solicit public comment on proposed regulation changes. ATTEND THESE MEETINGS AND SPEAK! And spread the word.
  4. Before attending a meeting, read all the information provided by the Fisheries Dept. so that you understand what the current regulations are, what the proposed changes are, and what issues you will be able to comment on.
  5. Then do your research! And be sure to contact Shark Safe Network for help.
  
  Federal Laws:
  1. Contact your state Senator and let them know that you support shark conservation. Urge them to vote for the Shark Conservation Act of 2009 that is currently awaiting action in the Senate. This bill is designed to put an end to shark finning in US waters. (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-81)
  2. Send a Thank You letter to Senator or Representative when they vote in favor of legislation that helps sharks (remember all laws that address over-fishing, protect ocean habitats and reduce pollution will help sharks!).
  
  City / Local:
  1. Write to your City Commission members to request action on unsustainable shark fishing practices that are going on in your community. Remember that the politicians represent the fishermen in the community too. Your proposal has to demonstrate that passing the law or ordinance will benefit the majority of the community.
  2. Contact local fishermen to discuss your objection to the practice in question. If it's only a few people who are going to potentially create problems for all fishermen, then you'll be able to rally support from fishermen within your community.
  
  Note: If you live in Europe, please contact The Shark Alliance (http://www.sharkalliance.org). This alliance of scientists and conservation groups focuses its efforts on passing legislation in the EU that will improve protections for sharks.