Whale shark populations have declined by more than 50% over the past 75 years. Their fins are used in soup and their parts are harvested for cosmetics as well as for Omega-3 health supplements. But in 2009, Mexico took a bold stand and decided to protect the roughly 1,400 whale sharks that migrate through its waters every year. And local fishermen joined in, replacing their longlines for tourist guide boats.
The experience of swimming with one of the largest whale shark congregations in the world is awe-inspiring, as WildAid Ambassador Ethan Ruan recently found out when he learned to become a gentle giant. The feature film is being featured across China, including Hong Kong SAR. Please remember to always #saynotoshark fin.
Many thanks to Silence and Wayne Kao for providing full support on film production and lending their voices to this important cause. To learn more about our work to protect sharks, please see our Shark and Marine Programs.
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WildAid is a non-profit organization with a mission to protect wildlife from illegal trade and other imminent threats. While most wildlife conservation groups focus on protecting animals from poaching, WildAid primarily works to reduce global consumption of wildlife products such as elephant ivory, rhino horn and shark fin soup. With an unrivaled portfolio of celebrity ambassadors and a global network of media partners, WildAid leverages more than $308 million in annual pro-bono media support with a simple message: When the Buying Stops, the Killing Can Too.
Journalists on deadline may email communications@wildaid.org