Shark finning, which kills approximately 75 to 150 million sharks a year (3 every second), is among the most brutal practices any creature on Earth has ever been subjected to. Sharks are captured by longlines or nets and have their valuable fins sliced off while they are still alive. The sharks are then thrown overboard into the sea, where they drown or are eaten by larger predators. All of this is done for shark fin soup, an enhanced luxury fish or chicken broth of no nutritional value, or for cosmetics.

     Africa is a continent vulnerable to illegal fishing, including shark finning. While shark finning is illegal in the waters of nations like the Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, The Gambia, Namibia, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia, there is no framework banning the practice or trade in shark fins around the continent, which allows poachers and smugglers free reign to Africa's unique biodiversity.

     The nations of North America have banned shark finning and are working to ban the shark fin trade, as are the nations of the European Union. Now, it is time for Africa to lead the way in promoting a more humane, sustainable future for generations around the world. We, the undersigned, demand a complete ban on shark finning and the trade in shark fins in the African continent!!!