Arts & Entertainment
Exhibit Supports Legislation to End 'Shark-Finning'
A new exhibit at the Aquarium of the Bay brings attention to the practice of 'shark-finning' and how some Californians are trying to stop it.
The Aquarium of the Bay is currently hosting the No Fins, No Future exhibit in support of a California State Assembly bill–AB 376--to ban the possession, sale, trade, and distribution of in California.
More than 73 million sharks are killed each year for their fins, which are used to make shark fin soup, according to the Aquarium. As a result, the shark population surrounding California has declined by more than 90 percent.
The aim of the exhibit is to expose California voters to what Christina J. Slager, Director of Husbandry for the Aquarium, calls the horrific practice of shark-finning, and to help visitors show their support for the bill.
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The exhibit includes a video and an informational graphic, and guests are encouraged to sign postcards showing their support for the legislation. Staff for the Aquarium will mail those postcards to Sacramento.
In a press release, the bill’s primary author State Assemblyman D-Cupertino said he believes that art exhibits like these can play a valuable role in helping constituents voice their concerns.
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“Aquarium of the Bay is a leading example of efforts to support the apex predators of our ocean that keep the balance of marine life. Its No Fins, No Future: Support AB 376 action station exhibit is a stellar example of a medium available for the public to voice support for healthy sharks, healthy oceans, and healthy marine ecosystems,” he said.
So far, more than 1,000 postcards have been signed.
“I’m really astounded by how many people are embracing it--more than I had anticipated. We’re trying to target California voters, but kids are signing them, foreign visitors are signing them. I think its just people who feel that protecting sharks should be a priority,” Slager, said.
The bill still has a long way to go.
Though already passed in several committees in the California State Assembly, it must still pass debate on the Assembly floor, several California State Senate committees, and further debate on the Senate floor, said Debra Williams, spokeswoman for Fong.
Then, if signed by the governor, the bill will be law.
The exhibit, which opened April 18, will run at the Aquarium of the Pacific until AB 376 is voted on, which will likely be in September or October.
