| Signers of Great Barrier Reef petition, 1001 to 2000 |
Signatures 1001-2000
2000. Jennifer Cant, Barrie, Ontario, Canada We need to do whatever we can to save the shark. To save the shark is to save the world. 1994. Mark Gerlach, South Lake, WA, Australia I surfed almost every day for 6 yrs of my life, in South Australia, and never once have i seen a shark. A fellow Bodyboarder from my club was bitten and died at waitpinga beach, but I dont blame the shark! Stop culling sharks for fins because people ridiculously think they have the ability to make you more resistant to disease. One of the greatest creatures on this earth IMO ! 1990. Naseer Ahmed, Bangalore, Karnataka, India Now is the time to act, lets come together to save ourselves and out planet ! 1989. Not publicly disclosed, Portoro, Slovenia 1988. Nathan Ashton, Brisbane, Queensland, AustraliaI am shocked that Shark finning is even being considered in Australia. It’s not an Australian tradition to commit genocide, and certainly not a tradition here to eat shark fin. We have one of the natural wonders of the world -the barrier reef- right on our coastline and the government wants to legalise an activity that will severely impact the long term sustainability of this ecosystem just to make some money? We didn't need it before and we certainly don't need it now. DON'T LEGALISE SHARK FINNING 1987. Balazs Tomori, Budapest, Hungary Please, save the sharks! I mean it! It seems that the opportunity is in Your hands! 1986. James Rose, Perth, WA, Australia I am shocked and appalled to hear that the Australian Government would endorse such a plan and I can only hope that enough people like myself are concerned enough to bring this to your attention and you appreciate the gross injustice you and your government would be doing to one of the world's most incredible habitats and ecosystems. Thank you. 1979. Brian Van Steen, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada It is utterly disgusting that the Queensland government would permit shark fishing. 1978. Shanon Tranchina, Rockville Centre, NY, USA Shark finning must stop. People need to know the truth. It would be great to think that the film Sharkwater was just the beginning of making us all more awear of how shark finning will effect us all. 1971. Duchampt Hlne, Cruas, Ardche, France Do you want oxygen? Do you want to live? SAVE THE SHARKS for all of us. Thanks 1970. Melissa Fockler, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada We must act now before it is too late. It's time to say no to capitalism and protect our environment. 1969. Victoria Romano, Boca Raton, FL, USA screw all you shark finners! 1968. Mike Bryck, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada We urge Australia to:--ban ALL shark fishing immediately throughout the entire the Great Barrier Reef area 1965. Asif Azam, Brooklyn, NY, USA Watch Sharkwater, dive with sharks - see their beauty, killing sharks imo is akin to wearing fur, the slave-trade, killing turtles and whales, seal clubbing, religious persecution etc etc. It needs to stop now b4 its too late. 1963. Duncan Carson, Madrid, Spain Please ban all shark fishing. Sharks have been around for 400 million years and are in danger of being eliminated by humans in another couple of decades. 1962. Curt Mnch, Storuman, Lappland, Sweden Stop the ignorance. Stop the senseless killing of sharks. Take the time to learn why sharks impact the very breath you take every day! 1956. Not publicly disclosed, Monterey, CA, USA WE NEED SHARKS ALIVE! 1953. Michele Henry, Caroline, Alberta, Canada We need to change the way we do things for the future of humanity and the rest of the creatures we share this planet with! 1952. Glenda Janssen, Evanston, IL, USA Any slaughter of any animal is disgusting especially sharks and marine life as they are needed to keep us breathing. Sharkwater is such an amazing movie it really puts things into perspective! I LOVE IT! 1949. Lily Kral, Tigard, OR, USA Now is the time we need to act. We should not have the right to destroy this beautiful species. For one of the first times in my life I'm speechless!! 1946. Brett Heinrichs, Longmont, CO, USA Please protect sharks for all generations to enjoy. Do not allow shark fishing. 1945. Elodie Sabau, Guttenberg, NJ. USA It is time to act as "human beings" and not as primitive and barbaric creatures. 1944. Not publicly disclosed, Mennecy, France I'm French, but I want save the sharks! Sorry for my English! Good luck! I have see the movie & I was touched. I'm agree with you! 1943. Tine Ravnikar, Izola, Slovenia I am shocked that Australia would even consider the killing of sharks. For what? I was under the impression that you were more environmentally friendly. To see Minister Andrew McNamara speaking with Rob Stewart, who made the "Sharkwater" film, and then to see him involved in this cruelty toward the sharks, is disturbing. There are already millions of sharks being slaughtered elsewhere, for of all things, soup and so-called medicinal purposes. I am asking you please to not go ahead with this travesty. There is no excuse. 1941. Hilary Goodwin, Strasburg, VA, USA Sharks need protection not slaughter. 1940. Not publicly disclosed, Wallasey, Merseyside, UK We are very surprised that a well developed country as Australia does such things. We love the ocean and we don't need shark meat. Sharks are endangered and need protection !!! 1937. Steve Phillips, Kanimbla, Queensland, Australia Not good 1936. Erin Miller. Fonthill, Ontario, Canada Save our environment. Everyone in the global community will be affected by this law. 1935. Michael Booth, Centereach, NY, USA My shadow will no longer touch the land down under meaning until you stop shark finning my future vacations to your country are over. I will spend the necessary energy to make sure other potential visitors change their vacation plans also. 1933. Not publicly disclosed, Birmingham, UK Long lining fishing also needs to be banned as it does damage to not only sharks but many other important species.1930. Ana Stevanovic, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia 1929. Marion Connors, Brunswick, Victoria, Australia 1928. Priscilla Albanese, East St Kilda, Victoria, Australia Save the sharks! 1927. Janelle Pinette, Winnipeg, MB, Canada It is completely wrong, inhumane and stupid keep doing it this way. You must stop. 1922. Not publicly disclosed, New York, NY, USA This needs to stop! We don't survive without the ocean 1919. Brittany Beukers, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Sharks are a key part of the ecology, 1915. Not publicly disclosed, Ellicott City, MD, USA This is a movement backwards in the conservation of the Earth and her wildlife. Please don't do this. 1912. Barbara Yakkey, Manchester, NH, USA THIS IS TRAGIC 1909. Not publicly disclosed, Aventura FL, USA I cannot believe they are allowing this to happen! Its disgusting 1907. Daniel Priestley, Kawana, Queensland, Australia Please watch "Sharkwater" to full understand the importance of this issue. 1906. Melissa Hawco, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada I'm a 16 year old that wants to go into marine biology but if there are no sharks then I might as well forget it because the ecosystem is going to be so messed up that I wont be able to see all types of fish in their natural habitat so please do your best to stop fishing the coast with long lines and killing sharks. Thanks, Mat Ranton. PS if you have any advice for me going into marine biology please let me know about it by responding via email. 1904. Not publicly disclosed, Lille, Nord, France BAN ALL SHARK FISHING ANYWHERE. 1902. Mike McGrath,. Toronto, Ontario, Canada I have no problem with fishing for sharks just eat the whole damn shark for god sake 1901. Not publicly disclosed, Deer Park, TX, USA Please stop killing my sharks now before it is too late. Educate yourselves about them and you will see what we are talking about. They are essential to life on earth. 1897. Mauricio Handler, Durham, ME, USA IT IS TIME. 1896. Chamsi Filali, San Francisco, CA, USA Don't add to the growing list of political mistakes whose failures are felt by our fragile ecosystems. 1892. Yannick Taes, Antony, Hauts de Seine, France We must create and enforce the necessary laws to protect shark wellness and vitality in all parts of the world. I'm just the average citizen terrified of devastating human impact on the environment such as shark fishing. Please, use your power and put an end to all shark fishing and allocate resources to enforce this law approriately. 1878. Amanda Simon, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Doesn't anyone realise how important the sea and things living in it actually are.....people are SO unaware of what we are doing to our own well being when we mess with what is not ours! They are beautiful creatures and have as much right on this earth as we do, and they will probably out live us by another 400 million years if given the chance!!!!!!!!!!!! 1871. Riccy Jamieson, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia I have been to the Great Barrier Reef and have been scuba diving with your beautiful reef sharks. Please do whatever you can to protect these animals and ensure that I will continue to recommend Australia and the Great Barrier Reef to my friends who are looking for adventure vacations that do not harm the planet. 1865. Christina Triassi, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Doesn't anyone realise how important the sea and things living in it actually are.....people are SO unaware of what we are doing to our own well being when we mess with what is not ours! They are beautiful creatures and have as much right on this earth as we do, and they will probably out live us by another 400 million years if given the chance!!!!!!!!!!!!1871. Riccy Jamieson, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 1870. Eamonn Breen, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland 1869. Not publicly disclosed, Wakefield, RI, USA 1868. Jennifer Goss, Newquay, Cornwall UK 1867. Helena Carmena, San Francisco, CA, USA 1866. Ryan Young, San Francisco, CA, USA I have been to the Great Barrier Reef and have been scuba diving with your beautiful reef sharks. Please do whatever you can to protect these animals and ensure that I will continue to recommend Australia and the Great Barrier Reef to my friends who are looking for adventure vacations that do not harm the planet. 1865. Christina Triassi, Toronto, Ontario, Canada This is one of the most dangerous situations that is facing our planet today, if you pass this, how will history remember you? 1862. Not publicly disclosed, Goussainville, France To quote U2..'I can't believe the news today'. Didn't they see Sharkwater? I really don't understand why they would alow such a thing. Or is it for the money? Cause it isn't for protection for humans. Sharks don't hunt people, people hunt sharks and on a massive scale!! Pls leave the sharks alone, humans have slaughterd enough sharks..You are destorying the most important ecosystem in the world. A sign that humans are dumber then animals cause they don't destroy their environment. My heart cries for them.. 1860. Not publicly disclosed, Lyon, France Really disappointed by the Australian government to act like this. Leader in peace and environment, respectful of life, it is a nonsense to allow a shark fishery there ore anywhere! I don't support anymore China industry or peole because they are the main cause of shark finning! 1858. Not publicly disclosed, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, UK We need sharks to survive so that our species can survive. 1848. Christopher Brochu, Kelowna, BC, Canada I had no Idea how important sharks were until I watched Sharkwater, It really opened my eyes and made me realize that our earth is in jeporady and we need to do something about it now. I want my grandchildren's childeren to be able to enjoy the ocean like I have on my scuba diving adventures!!! 1847. Not publicly disclosed, Lake in the Hills, IL USA BAN ALL SHARK FISHING! Set an example for the world - without sharks, the whole ocean ecosystem will be DESTROYED - and peoples main source of oxygen will be destroyed as well! 1842. Trista King, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia Please stop 1840. Claude Jaspart, Paris, France How awful!! How can you brutalise an animal like that is beyond me 1837. Not publicly disclosed, Basildon, Essex, UK I would like future generations to enjoy seeing these magnificent animals, haven't we caused enough extinction? 1834. Brandee Milman, Grand Cayman, BWI, Cayman Islands Ban Shark Fishing!! 1830. Darcie Carr, Boulder, CO, USA 1829. Julia Phillips, Guelph, Ontario, Canada Enough of being selfish, let's protect our waters. 1828. Tom Duerden, Chester, Cheshire, UK We have already lost 90% of the worlds sharks. Shark populations are in free fall and the remaining strongholds should be protected fiercely to ensure they do not slide to extinction. Australia has no excuse for exploiting a protected area of sharks. I can't understand why they would propose this seeing as they have been renowned for protecting marine life in the past with the creation of marine reserves and protecting species. The move to open the shark finning fishery is anti conservation and simply insane.1827. Malcolm Bradbury, Buxton, Derbyshire, England 1826. Not publicly disclosed, Nashville. TN, USA 1825. Not publicly disclosed, Buxton, Derbyshire, England 1824. Louis Pierre Carl, Ambly ( Nassogne ), Nassogne, Belgium 1823. Michael Kleimeyer, Petrie Terrace, Queensland, Australia The Great Barrier Reef is an ecosystem that has survived longer than our species has evolved. What gives humans the right to determine who and what species can survive. If you take away top predators, it disturbs the current food-chain which is in place. 1822. Victoria Cramer, Cochrane, Alberta, Canada I am so ashamed to be part of the human race when I look at the state of the planet. Some humans say our compassion separates us from other animals, but we are the cruelest and most selfish predator that has ever existed. Our greed is what separates us from other animals, and this is certainly not something we should be proud of. Our species should be so ashamed of what we've done, and what we've let happen. 1821. Gaby Zimmermann, Vienna, Austria Please stop killing sharks. They are vital for a healthy ocean. Without them the ocean ecosystem is in danger of collapsing 1817. Alan Harris, Gladstone, Queensland, Australia As a licensed commercial Master mariner I believe it is unnecessary and a crime to kill sharks for their fins and meat we have much be fish to eat that can be sustainable 1816. Chris McDermott, Phillip, ACT, Australia Just watched Sharkwater... unbelievable that this is still happening as we speak!! Save the sharks, save yourself!!! 1814. Hermann Gfeller, Whale Beach, NSW, Australia According to the TV series "Border Security", 300 foreign fishing vessels are being apprehended each year by Australian Customs officers for illegal fishing in Australian Waters . As one is aware, many of them are shark fishers for the lucrative shark fin soup trade. But how can Australia stop this illegal and extremely cruel business, if it is going to lead by example ?? Only the thought is disgusting and shameful !! Sincerely, Hermann Gfeller 1813. David Wolhuter, Buderim, Queensland, Australia Not just bloody stupid, morally bankrupt too! We need protection against fools like this. 1812. Geoff Barker, Gerrards Cross, Bucks, UK Life is precious. All shark finning should be stopped. I cannot believe that Australia has such strict conservation rules for Whales but allows shark fishing to happen. But this is a country that openly slaughters both animals on its national emblem, the Emu and Kangaroo (That's like Americans eating Golden Eagles). 1811. Michelle Barker, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, UK It would be a shame to interfere with the natural flow of the food chain. We are all dependent on each other, no matter how big or small, tame or aggressive. 1809. Anushka Livera, Mission, British Columbia, Canada The consequences for continuing this selfish lifestyle are tremendous. 1808. Not publicly disclosed, Queanbeyan, NSW, Australia Ecotourism is simply worth more to Australia than shark fishing. 1802. Not publicly disclosed, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia It's disgusting to think that the US will help to save the Polar Bear only when it is nearly gone. i didn't think Australians were as silly as our American friends. 1800. Not publicly disclosed, Vegas, NV, USA Sharks are a critical part of the web of life in our oceans. They reproduce slowly. Please use your authority to ensure that all shark fishing is done in such a manner as to protect shark populations. 1797. Jared Rowell, Calgary, Alberta, Canada You've got to be kidding me... The Great Barrier Reef represents one of the few biodiversity hotspots left in the oceans and you're seriously considering allowing fishing to take place there? It's thousands of times more valuable intact than it would be to exploit it. Please do not allow this to happen. 1796. Kathryn Bishop, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia I am a budding marine studies student at The University of Queensland and have been studying the impacts of overfishing and exploitation of marine, coral and coastal environments. It has been researched and published in many journals the significance of shark populations to our ecosystems. Alternate stable states can occur (Jamaica Coral Reef is a perfect example) where overfishing and taking out the top predators (i.e sharks), as well as a hurricane turned the coral reefs into a Diadema sea urchin barren. A disease then wiped out the sea urchin populations and what was once a pristine reef is now governed by fleshy macroalgae. You are destroying one of the most special reefs in the world and GBRMA have done estimates that in 50 years 70% of the worlds reefs will be destroyed. If you review the current anthropogenic impacts on the GBR ecosystem, as well as the coral bleaching and natural disasters it encounters, (cyclones) its reefs are well on their way to being reduced in size and lowering species diversity. Sharks play an important role and I beleive if we do not permit the entire GBRMP to be a NTA (no take area) especially for sharks then you are one step further in protecting this amazing and charismatic reef. 1793. Not publicly disclosed, Anstead, Queensland, Australia Why have other countries deplete our natural beauty on the Great Barrier Reef. 1791. Anne Viljoen, Durban, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa Recently there has been a big hype about our carbon footprint. After viewing Sharkwater, I wondered why bother. If the shark killing don't stop the there will be no plankton left to deal with the carbon anyway. So in short..we have our hands around mankind’s throat. So, how long can you hold your breath? 1790. Not publicly disclosed, Clifton, NJ, USA I've just written an article for Shark Trust on Freediving with Sharks. Sharks are amazing and need our help...Andy 1784. Not publicly disclosed, Chibougamau, Quebec, Canada I don't believe a comment is necessary, but it is my duty to protect these wonderful animals from us. 1782. Pascale Perry, Miami, FL, USA SAVE SHARKS, SAVE LIFE 1781. Mike Blouin, St-Constant, Quebec, Canada I can't understand how such a thing could be legalized when you KNOW the damage it will do. It's amazing the lengths people go to for power and money. SELFISHNESS will be the end of us all. As for Australian Tourism, I'm in the industry in Canada, and I will do everything in my power to discourage travel to Australia until it is banned. 1779. F. J. Pechir, Los Angeles, CA, USA Is there anything more oversea individuals can do to really effect change? How will Canadians be able to effect the Australian government, without having to go through miles of red tape? Best of luck, and you have my support! 1777. Jessica Dunn, Goddard, KS, USA I will not spend a dollar in Australia if there is not a coherent policy in place to protect the sharks in Australian waters. 1768. Not publicly disclosed, Piedmont, CA, USA We have just vacationed on the beautiful Reef. Sharks must be protected everywhere so please add me as a supporter. 1767. Amanda Lay, Oxford, Oxon, UK I think this is one of the most stupid proposals i have ever heard. We should be safe guarding shark populations not destroying them. 1766. Robert McConville, London, England We need to save and protect our sharks. They are put of our valuable resources. Please keep Australia the lucky country. 1763. Alexander Schmid, Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany Why would we do this. It is not in our culture to eat shark fin soup and why should we encourage this sadistic practice by supplying the rest of the world. Perhaps we could start a trend of human hand soup. I know where I would start.1759. Not publicly disclosed, Stockholm, Stockholm Sweden1758. Dorothee Sinic, Annandale, NSW, Australia 1757. Not publicly disclosed, Broome, WA, Australia I can't believe you are even considering this!!!! 1756. Antonio Gomez, Paris, France Stop destroying our planet 1755. Robert Terpstra, Heemskerk, N-Holland, Netherlands Save the Sharks, this brutality has to end!! 1752. Christopher Chambers, Tangerang, Jakarta, Indonesia It truly amazes me that we can show righteous indignation at the Japanese for their whaling programme but not reconize that we are about as far from being ecologically responsible as they are. Wake up and see how ludicrous the rest of the world views our double standards. Living in Indonesia for the last 7 years this has been a constant source of embarrassment to me as an Australian. In a part of the world where shark fin products are readily available, I always reject them and try to get others to do the same. Now you want to be part of the industry surrounding this barbaric practise? Words almost fail me. 1751. Not publicly disclosed, Vancouver, BC, Canada Continuing these practices will only damage your country's image and reputation.Don't do what Bush has done to this country's reputation. 1741. Not publicly disclosed, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada I am truly disturbed that there are people who can stop this cruelty and yet do nothing about it! We as humans are destroying our planet and will eventually pay the price for all of our wrongdoing. Those in power need to step up to the plate and create laws to protect these animals. I am appalled that this is allowed to continue. 1740. Courtenay Benoit, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada We need to protect our planet, I do not support the extermination of a species. 1732. Not publicly disclosed, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada My Daughter who is 3 loves sharks an one day I would love to take her diving to see them. The question is will there be any left for her generation to see. 1730. Maren Scriven, Perth, WA, Australia It is an emergency to stop the shark fishing. We have to protect ecosystem and I don't understand why it is not done yet! People have to wake up and protect their environment. shark, other animals and everything that compose our nature. 1727. David Matthews, Southampton, Hampshire, England Allowing shark fishing to go on is barbaric and ignorant and will lead to long term global ecological issues. 1721. Carolina Hasenau, Orlando, FL, USA With the information at hand about the ecological repercussions of shark fishing, I can't believe a progressive country such as yours would allow this. I am truly ashamed to be half Australian at this point!!! 1720. Felicity Wright-Jones, Lincs, England Wild life is so important to Australia and it should be protected whenever and wherever possible. 1710. Silke Wolf, Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany Presently our world is at a tipping point. If we do not make the right choices, in this case saving the shark populations, we are effectively deciding to destroy our world. This seems like a very clear path when the facts are examined, everything possible MUST be done to save sharks, and it MUST be done NOW!! Please choose to save the planet for our ghildren, 1707. Nina Yousefpour, Cairns, Queensland, Australia Stop shark fishing not only in the GBR, but worldwide! 1703. Michelle Singer, Schenectady, NY, USA I am shocked that this should happen in Australia, one of the most eco-aware countries in the world. The Great Barrier is a heritage to our children and sharks are a critical part of this ecosystem. Protect them - there are enough countries failing to do so. Don't let Australia be one too! 1701. Not publicly disclosed, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia We are nothing but primates gone crazy. Sharks were here long before us, lets make sure they are here long after our extinction too! 1699. Justin Carroll, Colchester, Essex, UK My wife and I are disgusted by this. We planned a trip to Australia but because of this new legislation we will not return to Australia until this is stopped. And I WILL DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO STOP TOURISM TO AUSTRALIA. 1696. Jason Morgan, Auckland, Northshore, New Zealand I’m very proud to be an Australian and allowing shark finning will make me completely ashamed. Sharks contribute a lot to our earth and I think people forget that they’re also essential to our own survival, if we don’t start showing our natural world respect then we will never save us from ourselves. I want Australia to ban ANY fishing of sharks in our waters and enforce these laws, our future may just depend on it. 1693. Jessie Rooke, Bardon, Queensland, Australia It is beyond time that this country starts to develop an intelligent & meaningful understanding of the value of its flora and fauna & that exploitation of threatened & ecologically significant species, no matter there cuddlyness or lack thereof, is a backward & inexcusable act of gross mismanagement. Both of our ecosystems & our natural resources. Hunting Sharks for commercial purpose is akin to creating a sausage industry of Platypus meat, its that simple. Wake up, do some research & make the Australian government world leaders in the field of natural resource management, realise the importance & vulnerability of this animal & show some strength to the international community. 1691. Hamish Heads, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Love the Sharks 1684. Caroline Idoux, Nouma, New Caledonia I am so sad and horrified at us as a species. Sharks have been around for such a very long time and in a short amount of time we have done what no other "natural" disaster could ever do - we have almost wiped them out. 1681. Yvonne Learmonth, Mallacoota, Victoria, Australia I am horrified, disappointed, sickened and saddened 1678. Alan Hill, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Someone really needs to lead by example. I hope it can be Australia. 1677. Michelle Edwards, Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada It’s bad enough Asia is busy doing this i would expect better from austrailia one more break in the web of life that man can not reverse. 1675. Jamie Di Troia, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland Leave sharks alone 1674. Eliana Morrison, Phoenix, AZ, USA Why do you ignore the need to save these magnificent sharks from becoming extinct? We need these animals to live, and all you want is money. Find another way, and save the sharks, cause this earth is the only one we've got. 1669. Tanya Clothier, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada This is ridiculous -- do we have to lose everything before we learn? 1667. Not publicly disclosed, Paris, France Happy to see I'm not alone in fighting! 1666. Daniel Craig, Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden I just agree with you keep on fighting. 1665. Dominique Le Bouteiller, Ornex, France Unbelievable that you could even consider doing this - if you proceed, the rest of the world will realise that your government is completely unaware of the environmental and ecological impacts which will follow. Are you relying on the apathy of most of your population in order to implement this idea, or don't the opinions of the people who elected you matter? You should be ashamed. 1661. Lucas Hillier, Gander, NL, Canada We urge Australia to:--ban ALL shark fishing immediately throughout the entire the Great Barrier Reef area--establish sustainable catch limits elsewhere that are based on sound research--vigorously enforce those policies. 1658. Megan Cooze, St. John's, NL, Canada POLITICIANS ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN SHARKS SO WHAT SHALL WE DO ABOUT IT? 1649. Staci Barton, New York, NY, USA So how big an own goal could you score Mr. P.M. should you sanction this ridiculous and utterly callous act of cruelty. Please uphold your principles on the environment. 1645. Frej Karlsson, Sundbyberg, Sundbyberg, Sweden I'm not sure what else to say other than "what the ****? ... do what is right!". May you make the right and moral decisions is my hope. 1643. Not publicly disclosed, Manly, NSW, Australia Save the sharks, save the world!!!1640. Not publicly disclosed, Millicent, South Australia, Australia 1639. Shaun Cockburn, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia It about time we started saving the creatures of our planet, not killing them all without a care as to what the long term consequences will be. 1638. Audrey Greffier, Sainte Luce sur Loire, France ...before it's too late :( 1635. Grant Thomas, Eleebana, NSW, Australia Sharks are gorgeous creatures that need to be preserved. 1632. Not publicly disclosed, Madrid, Madrid Spain Shame on you, Australian people if you don't stop that slaughter. 1631. Nguyen Bach, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia STOP SHARK FISHING 1630. Jean-Marc Grani, Portet sur Garonne, Haute Garonne, France Please save the sharks.... 1629. Not publicly disclosed, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Shark finning is so cruel. Australia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world - don't spoil it by advocating such cruelty. 1627. Zara Di Bella, Clontarf, Queensland, Australia Shark Fishing is an unacceptable behaviour and is inhumane. It is urgent that we act now before it is too late. 1623. Tyler Beauchamp, Russell, Ontario, Canada Please do not go through with this absurd plan. Shark finning would decimate the shark population when it’s already endangered enough. 1618. Not publicly disclosed, Karalee, Queensland, Australia From a university student’s perspective, this move to create a shark fishery in the GBR, will have a negative impact on both the biodiversity of the GBR, as it can not only cause a decline in sharks but in addition can have a cascading effect down the food chain - similar to what was observed in the kelp beds off the coast of America. Further more, the tourism industry of Australia, could decline. As this industry is vital to the lives of many Australians particularly those in the local GBR region, the short term gain would be disastrous long term. 1617. Kay Kunze, Bulimba, Queensland, Australia Shark finning MUST be banned! 1616. Deanna Bruce, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada I will not sit back and let something like this happen. 1614. Carrie Sims, Gordon Park, Queensland, Australia I am a dive instructor I work on a liveaboard that specialises in shark dives. without these magnificent creatures I wouldn’t have a job.. 1610. Joel Hindman, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia I am an avid diver, and every dive I do, I look for sharks. Why should sharks be killed for food and not preserved for the good of the ecosystem? This action of Australia to legalised shark hunting is absolutely irresponsible, especially where Australia has one of the largest and most beautiful reefs in the world! Please do not continue with this reckless decision 1607. Charlotte Ashley, Toronto, Ontario, Canada There is no reason why shark finning should be allowed, and no reason why it would ever be classed as an acceptable practice. 1599. Alise Nilsen, Bellingham, WA, USA How could people cut off the fins of a shark and then just throw the poor animal back into the ocean to suffer and die? That's like cutting off a person's arms and legs then throwing them out in the street! Also, oxygen is more valuable than money. We're putting our own lives at stake! 1598. Rob Unruh, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Please think about it. It is a great mistake. 1596. Not publicly disclosed, St Augustine, FL, USA The fishing of sharks must be stopped!!! It is an outrage what is going on with the shark population all over the world!! 1594. Kenneth Gustafson, Seattle, WA, USA This is short term thinking. Please reconsider 1593. Not publicly disclosed, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria I thought Australia would have been the last ones to do that. 1586. Not publicly disclosed, Perth, WA, Australia Killing animals, especially endangered species is only going to cause more ecological issues and stress, what can really be gained from killing animals such as sharks.... what if it leads to whole environmental collapses in certain areas. Its a silly idea. 1584. Susana Vargas, Montreal, Quebec, Canada I oppose all shark fishing in any shape or form 1581. Not publicly disclosed, Montreal, Quebec, Canada As far as I know sharks is a keystone specie and our environment and fisheries won't be able to support their loss. 1577. Sabrina Garcia, Townsville, Queensland, Australia I can believe this is even an issue! Appalling 1574. Not publicly disclosed, Bulimba, Queensland, Australia Shark fishing and finning in New South Wales should be stopped immediately! 1573. Alexandra Wolhuter, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Germany Marine Biologist, University of Bremen, Germany1571. Verena Schrameyer, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Please consider the message of this letter and not just note it as "one of those"...it is really important to listen to the civilisation and not just follow the most smart economic approaches... 1570. Michael Josephson, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Shark fishing on the GBR is an inconceivably terrible idea. Whoever first suggested it has some pretty decent problems. No shark fishing. Give peace a chance you retards! 1569. Not publicly disclosed, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia The GBR has an incredible level of biodiversity and is one of Australia's greatest tourism drawing points. It has high enough threat to its sustainability as it is. Why are we condoning fishing of already endangered species in a world heritage site. Not only are these sharks part of the delicate balance of coral reefs, they have slow reproduction cycles - and will be fished at an artificial level of sustainability. 1568. Grard Galais, Les Avirons, Runion please translate in french I do want to see the shark fishery closed but remember it has always existed within Australia, it is nothing new. The revamping of these old laws has good and bad points for the sharks but people should understand both sides of the story before they make a right winged comment. Understanding both sides will aid in the proper management. 1566. Genevive Pieroni, Fuveau, PACA, France Authorising shark fishing would be a big mistake. Our biodiversity is already endangered, there is no need to apply another pressure on it. Sharks are very important in the food web and fishing them will have enormous negative impacts. 1556. Not publicly disclosed, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Australia should have an interest in protecting wildlife, as its tourism industry depends on it. It is a long term investment. At the moment a lot of shark are recognized as being threatened, endangered or critically endangered worldwide. Fishing sharks to such an extent would seriously damage Australia's image. There is a reason why the tourism award, should have gone to somebody (S. Irwin) with an invested interest in large predators. There is also no difference between whaling and shark finning. Both are extremely brutal unethical ways of killing animals. Apart from that shark fishing practises have an yet unknown effect on other endangered wildlife, especially pelagic seabirds and turtles: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/tap/longline/defining2.html 1546. Not publicly disclosed, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia SAVE sharks, not kill them! How is allowing shark fishing going to 'improve sustainability'!? 1545. Not publicly disclosed, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia What is the point in shark fishing? It's not like the meat tastes good. The only people who would want it are overseas people and probably the Japanese who we are angry at for killing endangered whales. Don’t be the pot calling the kettle black. 1544. Nathalie Verlinden, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Stop killing sharks we are killing our young peoples future buy killing these misunderstood fish. Mahalo and aloha 1529. Anna Bergalis, Stuart, FL, USA Killing sharks because of news papers selling papers is very disturbing 1528. Not publicly disclosed, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Why shark fin soup? Status. 1526. clare Sutherland, Goderich, Ontario, Canada The extinction of our animal populations is not done by nature, it is done by human beings. 1516. Lainie Durivou, New Port Richey, FL, USA Stop shark fishing! 1515. Di-labio Laetitia, Moncel Sur Seille, France Leave the sharks alone 1513. Xavier Hamman, Longroy, Seine Maritime, France Save the Sharks 1509. Not publicly disclosed, Oslo, Norway We must help sharks in order to they have the right of life 1507. Manuel Sam, Boston, MA, USA Please stop shark fishing. Our own survival is at stake. 1504. J.V. Haywood, Pickering, Ontario, Canada This isn a brutal punishment for any animal to undergo. There killing an animal that is helping us to survive on this planet and some people are treating this animal like a piece of grabage. Have a heart, what if someone was doing that to you huh? What if someone was cutting of your arms and putting you back were you came from and left you to die huh? SAVE THE SHARKS!! 1503. Helen Easton, West Midlands, West Midlands, UK Sharks have the same right to survive that us 1499. Not publicly disclosed, Montreal, Quebec, Canada ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGED AUSTRALIA WOULD DO SOMETHING SO DIM WHITTED, we are not another ill educated, stupid Asian country that cares more about profit then co-existence! Or are we? 1493. Jen Goss, Newquay, Cornwall, UK Please save this important biological resource 1488. Mika Johnson, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada How could you make any other choice. 1487. Jonathon Polly, San Francisco, CA, USA Having dived the Great Barrier Reef, I know what an amazing and beautiful resource it is. I\'m shocked that Queensland is considering an action that will harm this natural resource; especially one that earns the country so much money from tourism. Please reconsider before the health of the reef is destroyed. 1486. Not publicly disclosed, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada The future of our oceans depends on it. 1482. Rachel Phillips, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia Future generations are going to look back on us and think we were horrible and barbaric... 1480. Not publicly disclosed, Olathe, KS, USA I am appalled by the irresponsibly of Australia's view of fishing for sharks. Such a beautiful place renowned for its rich, oceanic biodiversity being violated by shark hunters? Unconscionable! This is morally reprehensible; we all have a responsibility to this planet, and that includes sharks. As a potential tourist, I would not visit Australia (and I do really want to visit your lovely country) knowing my tourist dollars would support such an industry. Please reconsider this. 1479. Nadia Kroll, Glenview, IL, USA Please don't do it! 1478. Not publicly disclosed, Cairns, Queensland, Australia I am concerned about the endangerment and harm to the majestic shark species. 1476. Dan Hooper, Cardiff, Cardiff, UK The ocean supplies 70% of our oxygen. 70%!! Sharks are already endangered, and if they go the whole balance of the ocean will be destroyed. Peter Benchley, who wrote JAWS said, "The shark in an updated Jaws could not be the villain; it would have to be written as the victim, for, world-wide, sharks are much more the oppressed than the oppressors." Please BAN shark finning, please help an endangered species! For every human bitten or killed we kill over 100 MILLION sharks a year. They are a much maligned and abused species. Please help save them. Thank you, Antonia Salm 1474. Jeff Neal, Atlanta, Georgia, USA The movie Sharkwater, was amazing, and definitely an eye opener, I am loaning it to everyone I know and making them watch it, it is absolutely ridiculous what people are getting away with! 1470. Arnold Wolthers, Southport, Queensland, Australia Let me know if I can do something from France, join a group, an association ? help for anything to save us trough saving the earth 1468. Vincent Lipatoff, Champigny sur Marne, France SAVE THE WORLD, SAVE THE SHARKS 1467. Ingrid Mattsson, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico The mass slaughter of sharks solely for their fins is an absolute tragedy. I hope that this petition is taken seriously because it is up to the governments of the world to take a stand against shark finning before it is too late. 1465. Vivien Lacoste, La Chapelle Sur Erdre, Pays de la Loire, France Stop shark fishing! 1463. Kajsa Hessel, Stockholm, Sweden, Sweden STOP, laissons les requins en tranquilles... 1457. Carole Petit Pierre, Marcilly le Hayer, Aube, France I write on behalf of Green Divers Productions to join others worldwide in condemning the action by the Queensland government to create a dedicated shark fishery.1448. Ethan Voyles, Wildwood, MO, USA 1447. Daniel Guthrow, Richmond, VA, USA 1446. Not publicly disclosed, Blandford Forum, Dorset, UK 1445. Not publicly disclosed, Verona, NJ, USA 1444. Lori Timmerman, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Please think of future generations. 1443. Ryan Helton, Albuquerque, NM, USA I've always admired Australia as a world leader in conversation, this was a terrible blow to read you'd consider a formal fishery for a top predator. It's terrible science, and at a time when sharks are disappearing. 1441. Elke Jack, Richmond, VA, USA After watching Sharkwater, I was deeply saddened but the senseless killing of sharks for a bowl of soup. I can only imagine if someone took my beloved dog and cut his legs off and left him to bleed to death for decorative purposes. 1440. Not publicly disclosed, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, USA We need to Stop this shark killings, I'm a Proud Australian, but hearing about us killing sharks in our great reefs, I'm not so sure about my pride for my Country 1438. Nathalie Baumann, Reinach, Baselland, Switzerland The irrational hunting of any species is deplorable. 1434. Not publicly disclosed, Montreal, CA, Canada I am appalled that the Australian government would even consider such a regressive measure. As a visitor I would be glad to support viable ecotourism in the Great Barrier Reef, but this proposal would most certainly discourage me from ever considering Australia as a place to visit for tourism. 1433. Antoine Ragot, Colombes, Haut de seine, France Against shark finning! 1430. Gustaf von Segebaden, Stockholm, Sweden If you don't protect the top predators the whole ecosystem could and probably will change or collapse. Take note and look to history, this has happened before with the American Wolf. 1427. Heike Zidowitz, Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany We Australians are surely smarter than this....!?! Further depletion in shark numbers will have a dramatic, irreversible impact on whole ecosystems - with extinction of the human race being the end game. 1425. Graham Holmes, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa And they consider themselves "green". Was the action against Japan all a front? 1424. Michael Curd, Albany Creek, Queensland, Australia You must stop this immediately. Something MUST be done. Please don't ignore this issue - sharks are dying out so quickly, and no-one wants to acknowledge it. 1423. Sam Daniels, Townsville, Queensland, Australia Please let the sharks survive and not let them suffer any longer of this cruelty. 1421. Simon Wood, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia Let's care for every living creature :) 1420. Not publicly disclosed, Lahaina, HI, USA Please protect sharks. Do not open a fishery 1419. Katalin Halom, Schrattenbach, Lower Austria, Austria Ladies and Gentlemen, in the past years we had the great pleasure to spend several lengthy vacations in Port Douglas, QLD. Sorry to say, we also had to witness the accelerated destruction of nature in this still beautiful state - salties forced out of their habitat, mangrove forests destroyed for new tourist facilities, old trees felled for Bulgari and similar shops (who the hell needs to shop foreign made jewelry at the Great Barrier Reef?) Do you really want to add the absolutely unnecessary shark fishing to Queensland's rather poor environmental record? What's next? Slaughtering whales in Australia's waters? Please do not disappoint us Australia fans with another ill-advised action. Thank you, Katalin Halom, MA International Business Mentor 1418. Not publicly disclosed, Thargomindah, Queensland, Australia Stop shark fishing. 1416. Sharon Panton, Sydney, NSW, Australia As an educated and compassionate Australian I can't comprehend why you would even consider such a senseless slaughter of our sharks. If it's for the money then it doesn't add up. Why would you jeopardise our fragile ecosystem...have we learnt nothing from our past? What backward message are we sending to the rest of the world?! Please don't do it...it is wrong on so many levels. 1415. Judith Muir, Blairgowrie, Victoria, Australia I live in the US where George W. Bush and our government have done everything in their power to destroy our beautiful country and the animals that inhabit it. Yet, even Bush has established a marine National Monument in Hawaii and is thinking about designating more. I've always believed Australia to be more ecologically conscience than Bush!! Do the right thing and don't let this atrocious factory exist. Save your marine ecosystem and the Sharks! 1410. Richard Schlingensiepen, Portimao, Algarve, Portugal Someday human mankind will realize what horrendous mistakes we did. Lets hope we can stop this one before its too late 1409. Not publicly disclosed, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Let Australia be a leader in conservation and awareness.. 1408. Fabian Gonzales, San Francisco, CA, USA Shark species have been decimated world-wide. The last thing we need is a shark fishery, especially since the food value of sharks is minimal. 1407. Katie Waidmann, Fort Myers, FL, USA Please help this cause Having worked as a diver on the reef for a couple of years the number of sharks I have seen is so small it disgusts me that they could allow such a thing, I am ashamed to have enjoyed my time in Australia. 1404. Stephanie Corrente, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Evidence supports the need of top predators to maintain a healthy ecosystem. The GBR is already threatened by bleaching and ocean acidification. Please, at the very least, enforce the 'No take' zones on top end predators - sharks. 1402. Chloe Gautier, Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia Please consider any commercial fishing operations very carefully before implementation... our ecosystems around the world are getting more and more fragile as each day passes. 1399. Douglas Seifert, Tequesta, FL, USA Shark Finning is Barbaric and Cruel. To destroy one of the most important parts of the marine ecosystem for one-time, short term gain will doom the balance of life in Queensland's waters and destroy the Great Barrier Reef. Do the right thing and oppose the needless and wasteful destruction of sharks. 1398. Teri Scott, Key Biscayne, FL, USA I am a filmmaker and I have observed first hand the decline of the shark species. Please stop this useless slaughter. 1397. Miguel Ribeiro, Porto, Portugal Please don't kill sharks. 1395. Christopher Keating, Old Lyme, CT, USA yayyy (: 1392. Dan Goldstein, New York, NY, USA These very sharks are a major tourist draw and an economic boon, not to mention an ancient species we know little about. 1391. Julie V Toulon, France You are wonderful... 1390. Julienne Spencer, Brampton, Ontario, Canada How can you do this to a living being? Something that cannot talk to defend itself. 1389. Not publicly disclosed, Heidelberg, Germany As a Top predator sharks are essential for the balance in the oceans. The definitely has to be protected. 1387. Celine Caille, Lutzelhouse, France Wake up! Think of the future generations. Has it ever occurred to you that the human species is in danger through making such uneducated decisions? 1384. Jrmie Bernier-Brodeur, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada Your decision affects my tourist dollars, and OUR oceans!!!!!!! 1380. Not publicly disclosed, St Louis, MO, USA I think killing sharks is mean and very cruel.......THE PEOPLE WHO KILL THEM ARE MEANIES!! 1375. Margaret Lehmann, Gallatin Gateway, MT, USA Please stop the fishing of sharks. They are long-living animals who do not reproduce in numbers high enough to sustain the amount of fishing that goes on. Please limit the areas as well, since fishing near reefs can destroy one of nature’s most wonderful life forms. 1373. Denise Verhaegen, Grand Quevilly, Seine Maritime, France PLEASE!!!! ban ALL shark fishing immediately throughout the entire the Great Barrier Reef area and 1. establish sustainable catch limits elsewhere that are based on sound research 2. vigorously enforce those policies. Thank you!!!!!! 1370. Jacob Flores, Fullerton, CA, USA Why is the government ignoring the research and experts in this field? My children deserve their heritage to be preserved, respected and protected and so do we! 1365. Frank Gerstner, Rumisberg, Switzerland What a shame ! Thank you for your time in thoroughly investigating the necessity of protecting these valuable creatures. 1363. Melanie Dailey, Ajax, Ontario, Canada Sharks are an integral part of our ecosystem. 1362. Not publicly disclosed, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia The Great Barrier Reef and all of its inhabitants deserve full and complete protection. 1359. C Reilly, Drexel Hill, PA, USA The Great Barrier Reef is a marine reserve!! There should be no commercial fishing allowed! 1357. Henric Tiselius, Vallentuna, Stockholm, Sweden As a Doctor of Veterinary medicine, I work with these magnificent creatures daily. The magnitude of loss, if we were to eliminate any of these species by fishing, is equal to the impact of acid rain and global warming. Is there a greater crime? Stop the fishing and make a difference on our planet. 1352. Not publicly disclosed, Cambridge, OH, USA I'm traveling to Australia to see sharks alive in an environmental friendly country. Please don't start the same crap politics we have in so many other countries. 1343. Thomas McMurchy, Sydney, NSW, Australia Perhaps the government should be putting time and money into stopping the massive illegal shark fishing industry rather than contributing to the decimation of the species and exploiting the fragile GBR. 1342. Klaus-Peter Harter, Heidelberg, Germany As a previous regular visitor to Queensland to enjoy snorkeling I am appalled at this proposition - I will not spend one more cent in Queensland until all sharks are protected. Message for the Politicians - you know better now do better. 1339. Greg Melnechuk, Victoria, BC, Canada Say goodbye to my tourism dollars and those of my friends, family, and colleagues. One of the most important marine preserves in the world, Australia's Great Barrier Reef, has commercial fishing of sharks within its waters. That means boats with gill nets trying to catch as many sharks as they can within one of the most treasured reef ecosystems on the planet. 1337. Not publicly disclosed, Wollongong, NSW, Australia Sharks mature slowly and have already been depleted by overfishing. Please don't threaten their diminished population but ban all shark fishing in the great barrier reef area. 1334. Emily Frampton, Gympie, Queensland, Australia As a scuba diver and biologist, I am outraged that Australia allows ANY fishing of sharks within the Great Barrier Reef. I thought Australia being a leader of enviromental conservation would know better than to let the most endangered species to be hunted within such beautiful and diverse waters. 1332. Tara Tate, Deception Bay, Queensland, Australia Oh for Gods sake, how much more stupid can the politicians get? Wake up to yourselves! You are a disgrace and you embarrass each and every one of us with your greed based unsustainable and illogical (not to mention CRUEL) decisions. We truly are a pathetic race. I am so sick of signing these petitions, not because of the causes they support but that we should even have to sign them at all is a joke. Long live the magnificent and necessary shark. 1331. Jo Grenfell, Mullumbimby, NSW, Australia All for shark's fin soup? What a waste of life! 1327. Ragen Groat, Midland, MI, USA Please do something positive for our Earth. Ban all fishing immediately. Save our animals, save our seas. 1326. Not publicly disclosed, Kamuela, HI, USA Watch Sharkwater and tell me that you honestly think this is the right thing to do! 1322. Cristina Loayza, Lima, Peru Little by little, humans are exterminating all animals from this earth - let us help a species for a change. Sharks are important to the sustainability of balance of sea life. 1321. Not publicly disclosed, New York, NY, USA Sharks must be protected in order to end their senseless slaughter, and protect the ocean food chain and ecosystem. 1315. Alexandra Susini, Planfoy, Loire, France I think it's disgusting that they would even think about this! Graham 1311. Ana C. Perez, New York, NY, USA The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage Area in recognition of its biological significance not only to Australia but to the world's oceans. This protection of this intricate ecosystem has served to encourage the establishment of marine reserves/marine protected areas in other parts of the world, an essential step toward recovery of declining fish populations. I urge you not to squander your country's global marine leadership legacy by allowing shark fishing within the entire Great Barrier Reef. 1309. James Haviland, Concord, NC, USA The day is coming when protection for wildlife in general will no longer be needed. I'll be dead, most likely, because I'm now 72. I hope that when the day arrives you'll enjoy veggies! 1308. Not publicly disclosed, Miami, FL, USA Absurd idea ~ cruel beyond belief, inhumane, shameful and disgraceful! 1304. Jorge Orrantia, Rio Rico, AZ, USA I have visited the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns, and I encourage you not to set up shark fisheries. 1302. Stuart Young, Emu Plains, NSW, Australia I want shark fishing to stop! 1300. Jamie Watkins, Los Angeles, CA, USA Maybe we should all just sit back and wait until we have totally destroyed our marine environment and then... I can see the politicians now blaming industry, science etc, etc... Come on surely it is time to save our seas! 1296. George Stadnik, Long Island City, NY, USA Protecting these sharks will be an example for other countries to do the same. 1291. Amy Harlib, New York, NY, USA Saving biodiversity saves the planet! It's that simple. 1290. Not publicly disclosed, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Sharks are the key predatory link in the ecosystem. If you take this away the whole system becomes jeopardized. Lets think of other species besides ourselves 1289. Kathyrn Dawson, Binghamton, NY, USA Sharks take a very long time to reach reproduction age - hunting would reduce the gene pool drastically. 1288. Susan Struening, Union, NJ, USA The apex predator is so vital to our oceans. Without them we might wake up to an ocean with all jelly fish1283. Sherri Andrews, Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada 1282. Alison Slack, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 1281. Michelle Dueck, Scotland, Ontario, Canada It is so cruel that all the shark finners do it cut off the fins and then throw that bodies back into that water! It surprised me that there is so much shark hunting going on! 1280. Kathy Polhamer, Brentwood, NY, USA I am amazed how ignorant the Australian Government are and how greedy! This is outrageous and it needs to stop! 1278. Not publicly disclosed, Kaneohe, HI, USA As a marine biologist I have to concur that removal of apex predators from our reefs is one of the worst things we can do. There is no justifiable reason to allow shark fishing, a "sport" based solely on killing organisms for fun, in which the animal has no means of even fighting back. 1275. Lourdes del Olmo, Mexico City, Mexico, Mexico No more shark fishing. Enough is enough, its just not sustainable anymore. 1270. Peter Vincett, Burlington, Ontario, Canada Ban Shark killing and Finning! This is just so very wrong and in just. After Watching Sharkwater I am Quite disgusted in mankind!! 1265. Dawn Morrison, Tampa, FL, USA This is just soooo wrong! 1263. Not publicly disclosed, Burlington, Ontario, Canada The steady onslaught on large, deep water species must be halted. The Whales have their lobby, but sharks aren't so endearing and don't stimulate the "Ahh-h-h-h!" response. These magnificent animals, the majority of which are harmless to man if left alone, are a vital part of the oceanic chain of life and are now so hunted as to be in danger of extinction if the current rate of slaughter continues. Please, please take heed of the petition and ban all shark fishing on the GBR. Sustainable limits to shark fishing can be set in other areas, leaving the GBR as a protection zone for them. We cannot afford to be without one of the ocean's top predators. 1261. Joseph Cavanaugh, Key Largo, FL, USA Time and again conservation science has shown the vulnerabilities of shark populations to harvesting, legal and illegal. The direct and intrinsic value of protecting shark poplulations exponentially outweigh the meager value in commercial harvests. Please do not allow shark harvesting on the GBR! 1260. Bosson Francois, Les Contamines Montjoie, Haute-Savoie France Please reconsider this decision that displays no vision for the future needs of these great creatures. 1258. Prity Bhattacharya Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates In general, I am disgusted by the love of killing and especially that of a shark, the mightiest, fastest, and oldest living creature of the world. Why are they bringing the end of the world so close when we all know one day each one of us will die. Greed has made them forget compassion, humanity, and purpose. It’s disgusting. 1257. Mario Ljubicic, Sibinj, HR, Croatia We shouldn't be barbarians! 1256. Not publicly disclosed, Lubbock, TX, USA Sharks are an important part of the ocean ecosystem. Putting pressure on this species will lead to irreversible consequences. Think Globally and Do the Right thing! 1246. Not publicly disclosed, Key Largo, FL, USA Please consider this request seriously. We are running out of time 1240. James Ashman, London, Essex, UK Signing this petition to support the cause and for my niece Alicia Crawley 1238. Lisa Santo, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia Its about time we se sharks like crocodiles protected that have an very important role in our ecosystem and its shocking to see them currently definned at mass proportions. 1236. Michelle Sachs, Joahnnesburg, Guateng, South Africa Leave the sharks alone! They deserve peace and quiet after we have demonized and hunted them ruthlessly for centuries. 1235. Not publicly disclosed, Wembley Downs, WA, Australia Protect the ecobalance in the Great Barrier Reef 1233. Michael Russell, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK Removing any top predators from an eco-system, particularly one as sensitive as this is going to have serious consequences. This eco-system is paramount to the world's climatic balance as well as providing a great source of income to Australia through the tourist industry and lets not forget it's amazing natural beauty! I am shocked that in a western country such as this with all the knowledge we have that this is even being considered! Rachel Day 1231. Not publicly disclosed, Cape Town, Western Province, South Africa I am an underwater photographer, I make my living from the reef, but I also see everyday the beauty it holds. We all need to act now to save not only our reef but our planet. He who dies with the most money still dies. 1227. Tim Whiting, Bellingen, NSW, Australia I have lived in Australia for1/2 a century, I thought awareness was growing. This is an outrage and must be stopped 1226. Serguei Malanitchev, Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland This is just plain stupid. I don’t understand humans sometimes. The government really need to pull their finger out of their arses and start focusing on what is actually important. 1221. Tara Long, Phoenix, AZ, USA As a grade school teacher, I believe that is important, actually imperative, that we educate students to protect our most precious resource - the Earth. Sharks are a vital part of our ecosystems and need to be protected. What better way to convince children to protect an unliked species like sharks than to show them that large entities, like the Australian government, are also working to protect sharks? 1220. Not publicly disclosed, Arncliffe, NSW, Australia Do we have to keep constantly taking up our valuable time filling in these petitions in order to get through to corporate addicted idiot politicians? 1219. Andy Cunningham, West Hobart, Tasmania, Australia I am horrified that shark hunting is allowed in the Great Barrier Reef. Sharks are critical to the health of the reef's ecosystem. Australia has an excellent record on protecting whales why not sharks? 1218. Not publicly disclosed, Saipan, MP, Northern Mariana Islands It is my belief sharks play one of the greatest roles on this planet. Not only do they keep our planet healthy, they are one of the most efficiently designed creatures we know. 1215. Not publicly disclosed, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Money is no price for a living creature. 1212. Katherine McGrattan, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Gday my name is Ben Keddie, Like Rob ever since I was a child I’ve had a passion for the ocean. I started out fishing then progressed to free diving and scuba diving. I was shocked when I saw sSharkwater to see the devastation humans are imposing on the shark population of the world. My dream is to try to give back and protect our oceans by becoming a marine biologist and aquaculturist because I feel I’ve done nothing for to long. 1209. Melanie Renfrew, Singleton, NSW, Australia Soon there will be no more sharks on the planet. 1205. Coll Harvey, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Harvesting any sharks just for their fins is an inexcusable waste of resources. It would be impossible to discriminate which species will take the hook, for what ever end use, there is no guarantee that endangered species will not be harvested in a dedicated shark fishery. 1204. Sonam Matho, Toronto, Ontario, Canada We are boycotting Australian wine until sharks are protected in Australian waters! 1202. Lindsay De Vos, Toronto, Ontario, Canada I wish there was more I could do. 1201. Adam De Vos, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Australia should know better than that. 1200. Not publicly disclosed, Dresden, Saxony, Germany I am outraged to know that Australia cares so little for the great white. Australia should be the front runner in saving this species that is a precious gift in their area. 1198. Julie McKelvey, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada Stop killing these animals! Enough is enough!!!! 1195. Not publicly disclosed, Toronto, Ontario, Canada After watching a documentary where sharks were killed just so that a fancy restaurant could serve shark fin soup shocked and dismayed me. How could we destroy our oceans in this way? 1194. Sandra Laight Dulwich Hill, NSW, Australia I worked in the dive industry on the GBR, and sharks are the biggest draw card for the tourist dive industry - these creatures need our protection! 1193. Geraldine Crawley, Epping, NSW, Australia Sharks are one of the many reasons I travel to the GBR. Being an avid Scuba Diver has strengthened my views on the animosity we hand down to sharks. Please don’t give them more reasons to hate humans!! 1188. Marcia Gordon, West Chester, PA USA To consider this practice knowing the effects is immoral, unthinkably short sighted and likely corrupt, shame on those who think this a commercially viable venture. 1185. Alicia Crawley, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia I have a different perspective on why sharks are important to the Great Barrier Reef. We need to stop climate change effecting the Great Barrier Reef but many people say, "What can I do, I am just one person and its too big an issue". One thing that we can do, even if climate change continues to occur (which it probably will before we start to act) is to make sure the reef is resilient and can bounce back from mass bleaching events etc. So one of the ways to maintain resilience is to ensure the ecosystem functions properly, ie. we can’t remove sharks. For example, when corals bleach, algae grows over the corals and herbivorous fish eat the algae so that the corals can recover. Sharks eat the carnivorous fish that would otherwise eat the herbivorous fish. So actually, keeping our sharks is one measure to ensure that the reef bounces back from climate change. And there are many more important links within this ecosystem this is just one. Do not allow an unsustainable fishery on the Great Barrier Reef, we'd like it to be there for future generations to see! 1184. Robert Pickering, Cincinnati, OH, USA The Great Barrier Reef is a world-wide treasure, protect all of the species that inhabit it. Ban all shark fishing throughout the entire Great Barrier Reef area, but most importantly, ENFORCE the restrictions you create. 1183. Berrick Boyd, Southport, Queensland, Australia Sharks must be saved if not for them but for ourselves. Stop this inhumane treatment of sharks. 1177. Gustav Guldberg, Lund, Skane, Sweden Please stop this now! Our world depends on it! I beg you! 1173. Not publicly disclosed, West Sacramento, CA, USA We need sharks in the water to preserve the eco system. Stop the hunting and killing of sharks! 1172. Darren Seah, Singapore, Singapore It is very difficult to say something intelligent to politicians and governments who lie to get elected promising one thing and blatantly going about destroying the ecosystem with their spin after they are elected. The barrier reef was protected to allow species to LIVE, this narrow minded disillusioned short sighted attitude means death to an already endangered species. FOR WHAT? Shark fin soup? Sport? Fishing? Grow up Australia, a U turn on previous well thought out intelligent policies proves that you are not fit to govern a coastline with a delicate ecosystem. Maybe the complexity of preserving life evades you. 1170. Not publicly disclosed, Montreal, Quebec Canada Shark fishing should be stopped worldwide. These animals are crucial to the ecosystem. You are willing to destroy millions of years worth of evolution and majestic beauty for some cash? Pathetic! 1168. Marc Valade, Lachute, Quebec, Canada The killing of any animal is an outrage to our own freedom. 1167. Dominic Poulin Montreal, Quebec, Canada Please do something right and right now. 1165. Not publicly disclosed, Paris, France We have to help the sharks before they're all gone. 1163. Not publicly disclosed, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Shark finning is a deplorable act, and only a country blinded in ignorance and denial would allow such vulgarity to continue. 1161. Sharkwater Productions, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Please, SAVE THE SHARKS ! 1159. Thomas D'eri, Muttontown, NY, USA Australia should be a role model 1153. Patrick Joly Nantes, France The education of the general public regarding the important role sharks play in our ecosystem is necessary, as is debunking shark myths. 1150. Pieter van Schalkwyk, Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa I am relocating to Australia and keen Shark diver, photographer and conservationist. Shark fishing is disturbing balance that has been there for millions of years 1149. Silvine Giroud, Blain, Loire Atlantique, France My wife and I have visited Australia twice for scuba diving and have enjoyed the GBR and its sharks. I would hate to see them disappear. 1147. Pedro Alves, Porto Porto, Portugal Today sharks, tomorow whales! It is immoral!1146. Loretta Newman, Narangba, Queensland, Australia 1145. Paul Horscraft, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK You have been gifted one of the natural wonders of the world. Surely it is your duty to protect it indefinitely. I am in a state of shock that I am having to petition a modern first world government about as issue like this. I would have expected better. Shame on you. You should be setting the rest of the world a good example of how to protect a magnificent natural environment not trying to exploit it for a quick buck. If you are that short of money perhaps you should come cap in hand to the UK for a handout rather than destroy an ecosystem you obviously know very little about. 1144. Not publicly disclosed, Southend-on-Sea, Essex UK This is most disturbing, how can a modern Govt. even contemplate such an act. Disgusting. Please let us know what else we can do to help. 1138. Rose G NSW, Australia Imagine a world without the Great Barrier reef! I dont want to! Imagine a world without sharks! I really don’t want to!! 1137. Not publicly disclosed, Kingscliff, NSW, Australia Very well said. Robbins et al 2007 reported 80% of the reef sharks were gone, and another 10% is being lost per year. They are the most vulnerable fish to fishing, on the reef and can be easily extirpated. 1132. Not publicly disclosed, Vancouver, BC, Canada Please ban the killing of any sharks. With hope it will become a popular topic but for now, just use logic: they are not harmful; they are approaching extinction and they are incredibly important to the health of the planet. Also, here is a point rarely thought about - how about doing the right thing by a fellow creature that is having its fins cut off and then drowned? Please: you have the power to change everything in the waters of Australia and from there the world. 1130. Kevin Diakiw, Surrey, BC, Canada This should be a no-brainer. Stop shark finning 1129. Not publicly disclosed, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Shark fishing should not even be considered. We are opposed to whaling so how is this any different. There also needs to be a review of shark nets on Australian beaches. Like shark fishing, we cannot control which other species are caught in these devices. 1125. Not publicly disclosed, Crows Nest, NSW, Australia Saving the sharks might sace us in the long run 1123. Germain Puerta, Marseille, France Disappointed to learn that the Great Barrier reef is not as protected as it is promoted to be. 1118. Luella Sayer, Guyra, NSW, Australia We must act NOW to protect the delicate ocean eco systems!! Sharks are a hugely important part of this delicate balance!! ALL shark fishing must be banned!!! 1117. Jeff Joel, Boca Raton, FL, USA This is shocking given Australia's hitherto excellent record on conservation of various species. Quite simply this smacks of one thing only...pure greed 1112. Not publicly disclosed, Sydney, NSW, Australia Its a matter of ethical consumption. It makes no sense to obliterate a species simply to fulfill individual wants. 1110. Rachel Schofield, Winter Park, FL, USA Horrid! Sharks are wonderful creatures and we need to save them! 1109. Not publicly disclosed, Washington, PA, USA Maybe you should watch Sharkwater. It may just open your eyes. Maybe even take up diving so you can understand and watch and appreciate what goes on in our wonderful garden 1104. Gabor Katzirz Hamilton, Ontario, Canada I love sharks, their decline is very sad. Please help protect sharks. 1101. Kristy Song, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore Educate the world that sharks were created to hold the balance in the seas. Shark finning is an act of cruelty and an act of violence conducted against nature and cannot be tolerated. If children in the world grow up understanding that it is important to care for the earth, then they must too understand, the need to not destroy unnecessarily. Australia, please help the world by continuing to care for the the earth as you have already done. 1100. Fiorella Vargas, Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden Stop it before it's to late. 1099. Philippe Ducreux, Loyettes, Ain, France Since the human species are the only living species that have been given the ability to reason, it is surprising that so many individuals are still denying the realistic dangers our planet is facing. The cruel treatment of the sharks that are finned and thrown back into the ocean, left to suffer and die, is heartbreaking. Any individual capable of such disrespectful and cruel actions should be ashamed of themselves, because even though endangered species may not have a human's capability to make rational decision, they sure can feel the pain! 1096. Carole Williams, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK Save our sharks 1095. Benjamin Ewing, St. Sabine, Queensland, Canada People can be really sick. Why would you allow Shark fishing in such a beautiful place? 1093. Edward Dorson, Long Island City, NY, USA As you surely must know, the sharks are in their 11th hour of existence in all the world's oceans and desperately need every possible protective measure. Just the very notion of this shark fishery is a shameful act...implementing such a tragic scheme would be an unforgivable crime against our planet. 1092. Suzanna van der Voort, Maastricht, Zuid-Limburg, Netherlands Are all adults on the top insane by arrogance, ignorance and greed? Wise and bright men will always protect all ocean live for now and for the future. 1091. Chris Corabi, Los Angeles, CA, USA Please stop killing sharks and all our ocean's wildlife.... Life begin in the ocean, learn to respect what the nature has created 1085. Not publicly disclosed, Maspeth, NY, USA Wine has a HUGE portion of the market in Canada and the US; it is a MULTI BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY. Until Australia bans all shark fishing WE MUST BOYCOTT AUSTRALIAN WINE, AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO THE SAME. I pledge to 1 -Personally boycott all Australian wine. 2 - Raise the point and encourage all others to boycott Australian wine. When sharks are FULLY protected in Australian waters, we will lift the boycott. 1070. Not publicly disclosed, Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK This is a horrible and cruel practice and should be banned! 1068. Jessie Waidelich, Ocean Shores, NSW, Australia I am shocked and appalled that the QLD & Australian government would allow such morally & environmentally disturbing fishing practices to occur. Our sharks are so important to the oceans ecosystem, and should be protected by all costs. I urge you to do the right thing for the great barrier reef, & in turn our planet. 1067. Jal Waidelich, Ocean Shores, NSW, Australia The fishing of sharks just for there fins (or any other part of there body) is the most shocking and disturbing act by humans, I believe, since Hitler tried to wipe out the Jews. since seing Sharkwater I want everyone to feel the way I do. 1066. Not publicly disclosed, Genova, Liguria, italy Please ban all shark fishing. It is not our right to kill. 1060. Not publicly disclosed, Bribie Island, Queensland, Australia It is in our best interests to look after the interests of our oceans. Look after the sharks, they are vital to the oceans ecosystem, and to earth in general. 1059. Bryce New, Grays Point, NSW, Australia Stop ALL shark fishing immediately throughout the entire the Great Barrier Reef area 1056. Andree Lasar, Herne, Germany Stop Sharkfinning NOW !!!!! No more Sharkfin-Soups for the asian bastards. 1055. Catherine Stovin, Armstrong, BC, Canada Our future on this planet is at stake. Not only in the oceans but on land also. I am ashamed to be a human at times. The barbaric destruction, slaughter, mismanagement and lack of stewardship man displays (especially those in authority over us) of the many life forms, natural resources, habitats is disgraceful. 1054. Jakob Saenger, Wuerzburg, Bavaria, Germany Shark fishing is so wrong We should stop such act ..I'm all out against it.. 1052. Eric Wust Mundolsheim, France The government legislating for the fishing and trade of an endangered species from within a World Heritage Area - what on earth are they thinking? 1050. Not publicly disclosed, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia I never knew this existed on the reef and I live right near it. 1046. Kaarina Solar, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Stop destroying our beautiful oceans........ 1044. Gavin Canavan, Sydney, NSW, Australia What next? Are we going to allow logging of Red Cedar in Australia’s World Heritage listed areas because of its value? The worlds human population can survive without shark fins. I urge all of the ministers that this petition is addressed to to read Jared Diamond's excellent book Collapse. He demonstrates where unfortunately we are heading right now. Historically civilisations have realised that they are heading towards collapse but have not taken measures to prevent this until it is too late. Unfortunately I am becoming increasingly frustrated and ashamed to be Australian because of past and present elected governments hypocritical attitudes to environmental and social policy. It makes us look like fools on the international stage. 1041. Yliana Rojas, Calgary, AB, Canada Please save the Sharks, we need sharks in our oceans not in our soup 1040. Rhiannon Percival, Cairns, Queensland, Australia Can't believe it even crossed their minds to do this!!! 1039. Patricia Klein, Easton, PA, USA This is a backward step for Australia and a disaster for Sharks. 1037. Lesley Newland, Woodstock, Ontario, Canada Save sharks. save yourselves. 1035. Krista Volk, Meridian, ID, USA I believe shark fishing should be banned everywhere! 1034. Carly Milburn, Waitakere City, Auckland, New Zealand Please look at the damning facts and lets save our sharks and inevitably ourselves!! 1032. Lisa Bolognese, Flushing, NY, USA Shark hunting is unnecessary and merely adds to the depletion of shark species in the world's seas. Ban Shark Hunting NOW!! 1031. Mark Atkinson, Torquay, Queensland, Australia Watch Sharkwater and you will understand!! If not, you need your head examined. 1030. Adam Bracey, Clear Island Waters, Queensland, Australia Please think about the long-term future of our oceans and biodiversity over a few quick bucks earned! It's time to look to the future. 1029. Ashleigh Kelly, Taree, NSW, Australia I was watching Sharkwater and thinking my pet chihuahua looks more fierce compared to the beautiful and peaceful species of shark that were being slaughtered for their fins! Chihuahuas are favoured by many people, especially celebrities, imagine them being slaughtered for their ears and paws that may even be tasteless, but considered a delicacy to the rich and famous, would you stand by and let this happen? Think about this and maybe you will think twice about the slaughter of sharks, they might not look cute and cuddly but they are elegant and amazing creatures that should be protected and loved like all creatures great and small. Ash. 1028. Alexandra Patterson, Swanton, OH, USA Save the sharks!!!!!! Save the turtles!!!!!! Save the dolphins!!!!!!! Just save the sea!!!!!!!! 1027. Douglas Evans, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Stopping The Endless Killing Cycle1019. Samuel Guffey, Coral Gables, FL, USA 1018. Not publicly disclosed, Monterey Park, CA, USA 1017. Not publicly disclosed, Wijchen, Netherlands 1016. John Kamradt, Palatine, IL, USA 1015. Charlene Padworny, Pottstown, PA, USA Please stop the cruelty!1014. Kent Bonde, Miami Shores, FL, USA With the health of the world's oceans in severe jeopardy, we certainly don't need legislation facilitating the killing of sharks. A healthy shark population is vital to the health of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as to the overall health of our oceans. If anything, consider future generations and what we leaving for them.1013. Not publicly disclosed, Granite City, IL, USA 1012. Scott Hess, Vancouver, BC, Canada I can't believe Australia Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is creating a dedicated shark fishery (especially in the great barrier reef). Even though I live in Canada, either myself or my children will be negatively affected by this type of brutality. Stop this at once.1011. Serre Marie-Camille, Paris, France 1010. Samantha Gallegos, West Jordan, UT, USA I think killing any innocent animal is wrong. These people are heartless to do this to sharks. Sharks are beautiful, amazing creatures. If people fear them it they simply don't understand them. Fear is ignorance.1009. Mona Dienhart, Altrier, Luxembourg 1008. Not publicly disclosed, Granite City, IL, USA 1007. Laura Tangley, Washington, DC, USA 1006. Matthew Heath, Granite City, IL, USA 1005. Eileen Hennessy, Melrose, MA, USA 1004. William Hoovler, Valdosta, GA, USA Stop this nonsensical, inhumane and barbaric practice now!1003. Not publicly disclosed, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada 1002. Hannah Thomas, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, UK 1001. Emma Destrube, West Vancouver, BC, Canada |
