China, Taiwan and Hong Kong account for 95% of the world's consumption of shark fins. A new proposal by a member of China's parliament seeks to ban the shark fin trade within China.

The ban is the first step in saving millions of sharks and preserving those that have been hunted nearly to extinction. 

The proposal faces controversy and opposition, as China considers the shark fin a delicacy and symbol of status. For centuries, it was considered to have special health benefits.

However, new research shows that shark fins not only are tasteless and offer no medical benefits, but they also can contain dangerous levels of mercury. 

Through education and word of mouth, many members of the public are choosing not to eat shark fins. However, the proposal must pass in order to save our ocean's top predators.

Tell the National People's Congress of China to support the proposal to ban shark fins.

Photo credit: Laszlo Ilyes