Scuba Diving Centre Leads the Campaign Calling for a Shark Fin Ban in Montreal

Montreal, Canada (March 21, 2012) Action Scuba, a Montreal scuba diving training centre and dive shop, is spearheading a local campaign to ban shark fin products in the city and has invited all Montrealers to join in.

Action Scuba recently launched an online petition calling on the city of Montreal to introduce legislation banning the trade of shark fin products, similar to that which is coming into effect in MIssissauga and Toronto later in 2012. The dive centre has built up support within the scuba diving community and now hopes to get Montrealers at large on board.

As predators at the top of the underwater food chain, sharks play a critical role in maintaining the balance and health of the planet’s oceans. They also generate millions of dollars in tourist revenue in the diving industry globally, as they are one of the most sought after sightings on scuba diving trips.

Despite this value to the planet and global economy, sharks are being overfished nearly to the brink of extinction. One of the main contributing factors to this overfishing is the practice of shark finning, which involves capturing sharks and removing their fins while still alive.  The remainder of the dying shark is discarded.

Although illegal in many countries, this practice continues because of the large financial reward involved. Although it has little or no nutritional value, shark fin soup can sell for hundreds of dollars and is considered a status symbol in some Asian cultures.

Action Scuba is also working with leading conservation organizations, such as Project AWARE, to gather support for global bans and controls on shark finning and fishing.

In addition, the dive centre offers shark conservation courses for divers and non-divers alike, including a free shark education seminar on April 10 in Pointe-Claire.

“As scuba divers we have a profound appreciation for sharks and other marine creatures because we have the opportunity to see this world for ourselves,” says Diane Tetrault, PADI scuba instructor and Action Scuba Marketing Director.  “We understand that contrary to popularly held misconceptions, the vast majority of sharks are not evil monsters, but beautiful, impressive creatures who on the whole are more scared of us than we are of them. And rightly so, since humankind has over fished them almost to the brink of extinction. It is our hope that we will be able to help educate the wider community about the plight of sharks and reduce demand for shark fin products. In support of this, we would like Montrealers to join us in asking the City of Montreal to adopt legislation to ban the trade of shark-fin products.”

Information about the Montreal shark fin ban petition and shark conservation courses can be found on Action Scuba’s website, at www.actionscuba.com

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About Action Scuba
Action Scuba (www.actionscuba.com) is a PADI 5 star Instructor Development Centre and dive shop located in Pointe Claire, Quebec, which has been serving water-loving Montrealers since 1997. As underwater experts they offer training and certification for all levels of divers, from beginners through to specialist technical divers or dive professionals. Action Scuba carries a large inventory of scuba and snorkeling equipment for purchase and rental at their full service dive shop. They also organize travel to dive destinations around the world and offer regular local diving excursions on their own dive boat. Action Scuba owners and staff are committed to protecting and preserving marine life for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.
 
About Shark Finning
 
More information can be obtained on shark finning from the following sources and others:
 
Project AWARE – www.projectaware.org
United Conservationists – http://www.unitedconservationists.org
Sharkwater – www.sharkwater.com

Contact Information

Diane Tetrault

Marketing Director

Action Scuba

(1) 514-697-8878

Contact via E-mail