Guam is a world leader in shark conservation.  In January 2011 the Guam Senate deliberated on Bill No. 44-31, which would ban the sale, trade, and possession of shark and rays.  The bill unanimously passed the Senate and became Public Law 31-10 with Governor Eddie Calvo's signature in March 2011.

The signing of Public Law 31-10 set off an entire year of increased shark protections around the world.  California, Washington, and Oregon followed Guam's lead and passed shark fin bans of their own, while similar legislation has been introduced in New York, Virginia, Maryland, and Illinois.  Several coastal nations including The Bahamas, Honduras, the Marshall Islands, and Tokelau completely banned the commercial fishing of sharks.  2011 was called by some environmentalists as "The Year of the Shark."

The Guam Senate is currently considering adding more species of sharks to the list of sharks protected in their waters.

With about 97 species in seven families, Squaliformes is one of the largest orders of sharks. By adding Squaliformes to the list of protected sharks, Guam will continue to be a world leader in shark and marine conservation.

By signing this petition, I congratulate the leaders of Guam on their leadership and applaud their constant vigilance in updating the list of sharks they protect.