29/06/2024
🎉 Celebrating 5 Years of Canada! 🎉
Five years ago, June 19, 2019, Canada became the first G7/G20 country to ban the import and export of shark fins. It was a monumental victory.
🌊🦈 This landmark legislation, inspired by Rob Stewart’s tireless advocacy, set a global precedent in the fight to protect sharks.
At the time, Canada was the largest importer of shark fins outside Asia. Trade documents show imports of shark fins into Canada have now plummeted from a value of $4,000,000+ in 2017 to a mere $755 in 2023 (there remains an exception by permit for the import of detached fins for scientific purposes).
Bill C-68 was dedicated to Rob Stewart’s life work and passed with overwhelming support. We thank the hundreds of thousands of supporters that signed the petitions, the hundreds of orgs that supported the ban, groups across the world. The Scientists’ presentations at Senate hearings.
A shout out to Canada, and Senator Michael MacDonald who initiated the private members bill, with incredible support from MP Fin Donnelly, Senator Harder, MP Pam Damoff, MP and Fisheries Minister . A special thank you to , then Toronto City Councilor who led the Toronto Shark Fin Ban in 2011.
The Canada Shark Fin Trade Ban made history. As 2% of the global market, Canada has saved 10 Million Sharks; 2 Million a year. Canada has ensured it no longer participates in the shark fin industry. The US and UK have enacted similar legislation, and the EU parliament has Stop Finning EU/Stop the Trade legislation under consideration. Imagine how many sharks these rules will save.
As we celebrate this achievement, we remain committed to continuing the fight for a worldwide ban on shark finning. Join us in protecting these magnificent creatures and preserving our
oceans for future generations. 🌏✨
