Sherman's Lagoon Series For Shark Conservation

Press Release

On Sunday, April 20, I have devoted my color Sunday “Sherman’s Lagoon” comic strip to creating awareness and public interest in saving sharks from extinction. Recent populations studies done by numerous independent marine biologists confirm that many species of large sharks – from great whites to hammerheads to tiger sharks – are being overfished to the point that only 5% of their historic populations remain. Here in the US, we have taken the initiative to put limits on shark fishing in our waters, but they are still inadequate. This fall, shark catch limits are going to be reevaluated by scientists, and the Nation Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is going to seek to establish more stringent catch limits. The US regulations may well set an international precedent, which is badly needed, since most of the overfishing is now happening in unregulated international waters.

We have a chance to show the NMFS that the public does indeed care about sharks, that they aren’t considered pests but a vital part of nature. Please take a look at the attached cartoon and print it and mail it in if you want to participate in this public awareness effort. Dr. James Balsiger, director of NMFS, is aware of this campaign and is actually looking forward to a heavy response as a way to point out to the fishing communities and regulatory bodies that this is an issue the the public cares about. Please help him make that point, which could go a long way toward creating much-needed regulations, not only in US waters but around the world.

Thanks for your attention.

Sincerely,

Jim Toomey