Each year 100 million sharks are killed, largely as a result of shark finning. Shark finning is a cruel and remarkably wasteful practice that involves cutting off the dorsal, pectoral and tail fins and dumping the rest of the shark back into the water. Often the mutilated sharks are thrown overboard while still alive, only to die a slow and painful death. This practice has become the method of choice to feed the global demand for shark fin soup, a popular delicacy in Asian cuisine.

Widespread shark finning is decimating the world's shark populations, resulting in declines of 90 percent or more in vast regions of the oceans. Much of this massive shark mortality could be avoided with an international ban on shark finning.

WHAT'S AT STAKE:

Last year, the international community banned shark finning in the Atlantic Ocean, but the practice is still rampant in the Pacific Ocean. Now is the time to ban shark finning in the Pacific as well. This June, governments will vote on a proposal to ban finning in the Pacific at an international fisheries meeting. The U.S. government's position on this issue could help sway the outcome of the meeting and the fate of these remarkable creatures.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Your support is urgently needed to stop the needless slaughter of millions of sharks for their fins. Please visit http://www.savesharks.org and send an e-mail urging the U.S. government to actively promote a ban on shark finning in the Pacific Ocean. With your support, we can secure a brighter future for the lords of the sea.

Defenders of Wildlife is a leading national conservation organization recognized as one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and habitat and known for its effective leadership on saving endangered species such as brown bears and gray wolves. Defenders advocates new approaches to wildlife conservation that protect species before they become endangered. Founded in 1947, Defenders is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with more than 475,000 members and supporters.