Global Support Needed for European Shark Week

Project AWARE are calling all divers to show their support for shark conservation today by joining our petition to European Parliament. Global support is urgently needed to restore and conserve threatened shark populations.

Many sharks species may soon be extinct and Europe is a major part of the problem.

Around 100 million sharks are killed each year, and few countries have management plans in place to protect sharks populations. Most shark species are either fished to capacity or over fished worldwide.

In a bid to improve European fishing policy Project AWARE are collecting signatures to push for the creation of a European Union Conservation Plan for sharks. All signatures collected will be presented to Joe Borg the European Commissioner responsible for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.

No matter where you live or dive - European Shark Week 8 – 14 October is a chance to take action and participate in shark protection.

Divers can show their support online by visiting the Hot Issues section of http://www.projectaware.org

Organisations around the world are joining together in the global fight to protect shark populations. We need your support to show that divers care. Help lobby European Ministers - sign a Shark Fin supporting the slogan Every Fin Counts.

Together, we can make a difference

Project AWARE Foundation is a nonprofit organization working with divers to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Project AWARE is a member of the Shark Alliance, a coalition of non-governmental organizations dedicated to restoring and conserving shark populations.

Visit http://www.projectaware.org to support your local office and participate in environmental activities to make a lasting difference.

For further press information, please contact: Joanne Marston, Project AWARE Manager joanne.marston@projectaware.org.au Joanna McNamara, Marketing & Fundraising Coordinator joanna.mcnamara@projectaware.org.au

Contributed by Joanne Marston added 2007-10-05