News & Events
Fin Free: The FILM
Fin Free supporter Maja Zonjic had a vision; to create a video about shark finning without any images of finning. The result? An inspiring short film celebrating the people who helped make six Ontario cities Fin Free.
The Fin Free film focuses on the positivity of the movement and the passion of the individuals supporting it, whilst raising awareness about the global issues facing sharks. Instead of focusing on bloody images of dead sharks, the film takes an alternative approach to the issue by focusing on the people who love sharks and have taken steps to protect them through personal projects, legislative action or campaign support.Maja would like to thank producer and editor Roop Gill and score composer and audio editor Dave Ljubanovich for sharing her vision. Special thanks go out the the film's stars - the Fin Free supporters from Brantford, Oakville, Mississauga, Toronto, Pickering, and London have banned the possession and sale of shark fins in their jurisdictions.
Beyond Sharkwater
Join Rob Stewart for an engaging discussion at the University of Victoria. “Beyond Sharkwater” recounts Rob’s incredible journey from photographer to global change maker. Hear how one man’s quest to save a cherished animal changed government policy around the world, spawned dozens of NGOs, and ignited a global movement to save sharks. What’s more, it launched him on an even bigger challenge. With not just animals and ecosystems in danger, but humanity at stake, this hard-hitting conservationist isn’t wasting any time. Become inspired by Rob’s fight to conserve human life on the planet through his upcoming feature film, Revolution and NGO, United Conservationists, both tackling some of the most pressing issues facing our planet... including making the world Fin Free. You’ll realize one person can make a difference, and what’s more, you’ll want to be a part of this incredible movement.
Tickets are available now for only $10, just $5 for students! Visit http:// climate.uvic.ca/Sharkwater/ for ticket info and event details.
Invite your friends! https://www.facebook.com/events/280938268629445/
Beyond Sharkwater
University Centre Farquaher Auditorium
University of Victoria
Victoria BC Thursday
February 2, 2012 8:00pm-10:00pm
Revolution in Motion
REVOLUTION IN MOTION
Downward Dog Yoga Centre in Toronto hosts “Revolution in Motion”, a two-part event featuring a Yoga class with Diane Bruni and Rob Stewart followed by an exciting fundraising event including a silent auction, music by Justin Nozuka and a featured raffle prize of a trip to Belize! Rob Stewart will also be speaking about the journey in making his upcoming film, Revolution, and how United Conservationists will collaborate for its release to educate and inspire people to take action towards conservation.
Tickets are still available! Don’t miss your chance to join us for this unique experience and a chance to win a trip for two to Belize courtesy of Island Expeditions (www.islandexpeditions.com)
Check it out: Revolution in Motion
Where: Downward Dog Yoga Centre, Toronto Canada,
When: Saturday, January 21, 2012 6:00pm to 11:00pm
What: Yoga Class & Fundraiser with Diane Bruni & Rob Stewart 8:00pm to 11:00pm
Canada makes Giant Strides Towards Protecting Sharks Worldwide
Today in the House of Commons, MP Fin Donnelly, NDP Fisheries and Oceans critic, announced the introduction of Bill C380 which would ban the import of shark fin into Canada. This landmark legislation will make Canada the largest country in the world to ban the import of shark fins and aims to inspire other countries to follow suit to address plummeting shark populations worldwide.
“It's time for the federal government to listen to their municipal counterparts and take action,” said Donnelly. “They can demonstrate real leadership on this global issue and institute an import ban of shark fins to Canada.”
Donnelly recently launched a federal petition to support the bill in Vancouver with Rob Stewart, whose film, Sharkwater, has educated millions of people about the plight of sharks. “With up to 73,000,000 sharks killed each year for their fins, a collaborative global response is desperately needed,” said Stewart. “Banning ivory protected elephants when they were most vulnerable. By banning the import of shark fins to Canada, we will give sharks a much needed chance to recover.”
This year, Brantford, Mississauga, Oakville, Pickering, London and Toronto, Ontario have all banned the sale and possession of shark fin in their municipalities. The federal import bill will help prevent international trade of shark fin, where illegally sourced fins are abundant and difficult to detect.>/p>
“With Toronto's recent ban, over 4 million people in Canada are already Fin Free, and we believe this movement will continue to spread not only through Canada, but the rest of the world,” says Julie Andersen, Executive Director of United Conservationists and founder of Shark Angels. Having spent the last four years in the field documenting the unsustainable, often illegal and inhumane practice of shark finning, Andersen agrees with Stewart and Donnelly that bans on shark fin are desperately needed to make a quick impact on decimated shark populations that play a critical role in keeping our oceans healthy.
In just a few decades, some regional shark populations have declined by over 95%, and their populations continue to plummet. Focusing on reducing demand for shark fin through bans is the quickest and most effective way to save sharks from extinction.
Immediate Action for Sharks Needed!
Fin Free London & Pickering urgently needs your help!
Sharks need your help. Two towns have motions coming in front of council tomorrow - November 21st in Ontario, Canada, and we need a final push from everyone. No matter where you live.
