Sign Today: Support NOAA Fisheries’ proposal to save the oceanic whitetip shark from extinction!

An icon of the seas is slowly slipping away – but we now have a huge opportunity to save oceanic whitetip sharks from disappearing forever.

These sharks have been in freefall for decades: Scientists estimate the population may have fallen by 98% worldwide.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries has proposed a rule that would give whitetip sharks additional protections under the Endangered Species Act.

Now this proposed rule needs a boost from you: Sign a letter to NOAA’s Assistant Administrator supporting this proposal to save these sharks!

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Defenders of Wildlife

Dear Ms. Coit:

Thank you for your leadership in publishing a proposed rule to give the oceanic whitetip shark vital Endangered Species Act protections against taking oceanic whitetip sharks or trading their valuable fins in interstate or foreign commerce. I strongly support the proposed rule.

The greatest threats to the oceanic whitetip shark worldwide are targeted catch and incidental bycatch in commercial fisheries. The species’ distinctive fins, highly valued in the international shark fin trade, incentivize fishers to kill  sell whitetip fins for shark fin soup. Fisheries bycatch and the fin trade have driven the species’ decline, exacerbated by a lack of adequate regulatory mechanisms to effectively address these threats.

The oceanic whitetip shark has been protected under Appendix II of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora since 2014 and listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act since 2018. Unfortunately, NOAA Fisheries did not give it ESA take protections at the time of listing and the species has further declined.

The proposed 4(d) rule is necessary and advisable for the conservation (i.e., survival and recovery) of the oceanic whitetip shark. It will grant the species vital legal protections against take and trade and give law enforcement additional tools to stamp out the illegal shark fin trade in the United States.

I urge you to finalize the proposed 4(d) rule as soon as possible and take all necessary steps within your power to ensure the recovery of the oceanic whitetip shark.

Sincerely,
{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}

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