TO THE CALIFORNIA DIVING COMMUNITY,
WE NEED YOUR ACTION TO PASS AB 376!

As many of you know, AB 376 is the bill about to be heard on the Senate floor THIS WEEK that would ban the possession, sale and trade of shark fins in California. Many Senators are still undecided and need to hear from you today. Without your call, these senators may not feel the urgency of passing this bill. Without their 'yes' vote, the bill could fail.

Nearly 80% of California voters (and 70% of registered voting Chinese-American Californians) are in favor of the shark fin ban. Anyone paying attention knows that sharks are critical to a healthy ocean ecosystem and yet they are needlessly being decimated for use in a luxury item, shark fin soup.

How, then, could we lose the vote?

Not everyone agrees with the voters. Shark fin traders have hired powerful lobbyists who are working hard to defeat the bill. And the opposition's lobbyists must be very good. After all, they do not have the facts on their side.

How can we win the vote?

On our side, we have 501c3 public charities, like Shark Savers. We don't have a lot of money to begin with, but are also restricted by law what we can spend on lobbying. What we do have is YOU.

There is only one way to tip this vote in favor of the sharks. You are the way. Please call senators to say you support AB 376 and want them to vote in favor of the bill.

Can you devote 5 minutes to the sharks today? 30 minutes? Start by calling your own senator and then call other senators during the time you have. It should take about minute each.

Find your senator here: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html

The full list of senators phone numbers is here: http://senate.ca.gov/senators

Many of you have already signed petitions or have previously called your senators. Thank you! Calling today is the next and last step. Most of the 80% of Californians in favor will not call. You are also representing the sharks who don't get a say in this vote.

Passage of AB376 will not only the end the shark fin trade in California, but also accelerate the tremendous momentum that's been building to protect sharks and our oceans. Winning this vote will have a real impact on conservation efforts around the world!

Let's show the world that our voices are more powerful than the shark fin lobby. Please take a few minutes out of your day NOW to make a few quick phone calls!

• Re: Your Help ESSENTIAL to Pass AB 376 Banning Shark Fins!! Carlos L. 23:18:08 09/02/11 (1)
  • Your Help ESSENTIAL to Pass AB 376 Banning Shark Fins!! Erin O'Neill 07:51:42 09/05/11 (0)
• Re: Your Help ESSENTIAL to Pass AB 376 Banning Shark Fins!! Steve Clark 17:07:47 09/01/11 (1)
  • FYI - Vote is now scheduled for Tuesday. Marta 21:45:16 09/02/11 (0)