Back in Canada, but still on track!

Hey everybody!

Just a quick update! I am back in Canada after completing my masters degree at UVa, but Stacee and I are still moving ahead on the shark fin possession ban in Virginia and continue to need your help. We will be updating our campaign status in a few days and setting down the schedule we hope to follow. In the meantime, please continue to spread the word, invite your friends to follow the blog, sign the petition, or post the blog to your Facebook page so we can get the word out there.

Stay tuned!

Washington's ban is signed into law!

It's official! The proposed ban in Washington has been signed into law as well! (Sorry I'm a few days late in posting this news!)

The Seattle Times - Wash. bans sale, trade of shark fins

Richmond Times-Dispatch Op/Ed on Shark Finning, Shark Fin Soup and Virginia

Readers,

Stacee and I are very excited about the op-ed that ran today in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. It details our perception of this issue and really announces our intentions to pursue this issue vigorously. if you did not have a chance to read it, the link below will take you to it. Any suggestions and comments are welcome!

Thanks for reading!

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2011/may/13/TDOPIN02-jefferies-is-virginia-ready-to-protect-sh-ar-1035532/

The Ocean Conservancy is asking for your help! Especially if you are a CA resident!

Help The Ocean Conservancy in their efforts to support California's ban on shark fins! Sign their form letter, or write one of your own!

Ocean Conservancy Form Letter!

Shark Fin Ban Passes in the Oregon House... now, off to the Senate!

Just to keep my readers apprised of the situation that is unfolding elsewhere in the country, the Oregon House has just passed the bill that seeks to ban shark fin possession, trade, and therefore shark fin soup.

This is quite excellent.

Now, the bill is off to the Senate! Fingers crossed.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014913651_aporxgrsharkfinban1stldwritethru.html

The Washington Post thinks it's worth covering too!!

Today's Washington Post featured the following article about the proposed ban in California:

Proposed Calif. shark fin ban makes waves in San Francisco’s large Asian-American community

Check it out!

The Power of Media

Because we believe in the power of words and of appropriate coverage of an issue, attached below are a few more news articles from various media sources, demonstrating how this issue has emerged as a legitimate issue for conservative, liberal, and neutral outlets:

CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/01/30/shark.finning/index.html

Fox News:

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2010/08/18/hong-kongers-wage-campaign-shark-fin/

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/02/25/panamanian-officials-half-ton-shark-fins/

The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/science/dna-helps-scientists-track-threatened-sharks/2011/04/27/AFleaLdF_story.html

Thanks for taking the time to check this out!