Sharks are in peril and the ability to buy and sell their fins and meat internationally is a big driver of shark over-exploitation. And regulation is sorely lacking for almost all trade in sharks which are sought for fins, meat, oil, teeth and cartilage.

We reached a massive milestone during April’s Big Shark Shout Out and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Hundreds of supporters shouted for sharks and took AWARE's shark petition to the streets helping reach an impressive total of 100,000 signatures. These signatures give a stronger, united voice to push for trade protection for the world's most vulnerable shark species. 

Oceanic whitetip sharks and hawksbill turtles appear to have little in common, but sadly they share a similar fate - both are highly valued for just one of their body parts, while the rest of the animal is usually discarded.

Hawksbill turtle shells are used for jewellery and souvenirs, while the oceanic whitetip's long, curved fins are highly prized for shark fin soup. In both cases the flesh is less valuable and often discarded, though whitetip shark meat is consumed in some regions.  

With Earth Day, 22nd April fast approaching, the Big Shark Shout Out is in full swing and it's louder, and madder, than ever before!

We love sharks - as divers we appreciate their beauty, respect their power and become mesmerised when we catch a glimpse underwater. We're so into sharks one could say, we are completely mad about them. In fact we're Shark Raving Mad to be precise.

The Oxford dictionary's definition of mad: 

1. very enthusiastic about someone or something

2. very angry