Here’s How You Can Help

 
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Eli Roth sends a strong message to the public: “These tournaments DEVASTATE the ecosystem and needlessly slaughter endangered wildlife for trophies and bragging rights. Everyone please contact the town and the sponsors and ask them not to participate and help them understand why. Aren’t there better ways to raise money and educate children than eradicating a species to make your point about protecting them? It’s trophy hunting plain and simple and we need to let the sponsors and town know how we feel. We have to protect our own wildlife before we can call out other countries.”

In a recent Instagram post, he brought up another critical point: “Do NOT let anyone politicize this. This is about all of us helping save our sharks and setting the example that this is not okay. Do not let them hide behind government regulations. The fishing industry lobbyists sadly have bought off politicians and some scientists. They want you to feel helpless and you are NOT. They’ll use labels like left-wing or liberal to dismiss you - don’t fall for it. This is not a war against anyone it’s about common sense and all of us evolving and changing behavior that is DEVASTATING our ecosystems.”


YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT IN YOUR OWN COMMUNITY

  • If there are tournaments in your area, you can contact the sponsors, community organizations, neighborhood boards, the chamber of commerce, local authorities, local and state representatives, and even the harbormaster of the marina. Let them know that you are not in favor of the continuation of these events.

  • Even better, gather a group of friends that are willing to help and visit representatives in person.

  • Ask your local newspapers to write about the need to end trophy hunting tournaments. A reasonable step towards change would be to change the event to catch-and-release.

  • If you attend the event, take pictures and videos of the caught sharks and send us whatever you are willing to share.

  • Contact us if you need help in strategizing or outreach.


EXAMPLE LETTERS:

Here is an excellent letter that Gabe DiSaverio (theSpicyShark.com) sent to all city council members and newspapers in his community. Shark Fishing Tournament is reckless and cruel (featured in Seacoast Online). This is a great example of a short and concise message that hits all of the major points.

IMPORTANT UPDATE!

The North Atlantic Monster Shark Tournament at Boston Big Game Fishing Club, Fairhaven, MA on July 22nd- 25th has been canceled!

It is unclear why this decision was made, but it seems likely that public pressure has at least brought a temporary win for sharks. We have to make sure that this will be a lasting effect and mean the end of Monster tournaments in this community.