I agree. And though some of you may swear that I wanted to flame her, LOL, that was not the intent by this at all, and at no point have I. And just as an FYI since this has come up a few times - I had already sent her a pm and would have sent her an e-mail had she not "opted not to receive e-mails". And whether or not she see's this or ever responds, does not truely matter, the intent of this was to call attention to a real issue which is devistating populations world wide (No, not just casual fishing), and is too often ignored simply because sharks are labeled "Killers" and "Mindless man eaters" - which is not the case, and a huge misconseption we fight to dispel each and every day.
Sharks are killed by the MILLIONS each year, through by-catch, poaching, finning, and various other acts of careless dissregard. Their populations are declining and some species are paying the ultimate price of being critically endangered and hunted. This is a shame, and there are many things we can do to stop this. Organizations world wide spend countless hours and private (out-of-pocket) funds to help protect and preserve these amazing animals, as well as educate the public, and seek out those who take life maliciously. It always has been, and will most likely always continue to be a never ending battle, but though the battle may rage on, the more advocates that take a stand and are proactive, the more significant change will be. What many never stop to consider, is that sharks are vital to the ocean's balance and without them, without any significant species, ecosystems falter and others suffer. It is a domino effect. Sport fishing for these animals has long since been popular, but is now much more regulated, and restrictive, and strives to preserve life, or consume life that is taken. There is no need for senseless waste, as where there is one allowed, there are many more to follow. That is not the path we want to be on. Though one person and one shark may seem insignificant to many, it is not the specific number, but rather the impact on others to which it can yield, the insight and passion it can produce. One person can affect many.. And many... Can enforce change.