What’s the easiest way to kill a shark? With a bowl and spoon
Did you know that shark populations have decreased by 90%, mainly due to the increased demand for shark fin soup? Up to 100 million sharks are killed each year for this delicacy – that’s the equivalent of wiping out three time the human population of Canada every year. Sharks have existed for over 400 million years – long before dinosaurs even roamed the earth – but are being pushed to extinction due to the soaring demand for their fins. Although sharks have been portrayed by media as ruthless killers, they are a misunderstood animal and rarely attack or even kill. On average, only 5 people die worldwide from shark attacks each year (in 2007, only a single person died from a shark attack). More people die from vending machines than shark attacks. But let’s think about it for a moment. Even if they were ruthless killers, why don’t they deserve to be protected? Tigers and elephants are responsible for 100 human deaths each year but they are protected because they are fuzzy and cute. We are afraid of sharks because we don’t understand them. We have brainwashed ourselves to believe that their kind is evil and overpopulated when in reality, they are misunderstood animals and are being pushed to extinction – all for bowls of soup.
But there are solutions.
Founded in June 2009, Shark Truth is a grassroots not-for-profit that seeks to engage consumers in a collaborative discussion for alternatives to shark fin soup. Shark Truth is dedicated to promote awareness around the irreversibly detrimental effects of the shark finning industry, specifically working with (and not against) consumers. Come support our mascot, Harry and his missing shark family, as Wild Rice hosts the Shark Truth Launch Party Thursday, November 19th 8pm-10pm. Sample some of Andrew Wong’s local, modern Chinese cuisine with drink specials, a raffle draw. Tickets available for $20 @sharktruth.com
Shark Truth Launch Party:
Date: Thurs. Nov. 19 , 2009
When: 8 – 10pm
Where: Wild Rice Restaurant, 117 West Pender, Vancouver 604.642.2882 wildricevancouver.com
