Sharkboat.org prepares for direct action against shark finners

Fundraising campaign will support stopping shark finners in Costa Rican waters

They need your help

By Scott Gietler 

Shark Savers, World Wildlife Fund, Bite Back, Shark Trust, Shark Conservation Society. There are many organizations out there that are trying to save sharks, put sharks on the endangered species list, ban shark finning, and reduce consumption of shark fin soup. I have many friends in these organizations, and they are working hard and doing a great job.

However, direct interaction with shark finners is rare. In fact, we are not aware of anyone that has tried to prevent shark finners from capturing sharks, through direct action - before they do it - until now.

• SharkBoat.org will arrive in Costa Rica this December

• They will engage illegal fishermen before the damage is done

• Sharkboat.org has been authorized by the Costa Rican government to enforce & monitor the MPA

• First location is a 12-mile radius around Cocos Island

• $80,000 needs to be raised to fund this effort - donate now on IndieGogo

Chris Wade has spent the last decade fighting for sharks. We have seen his boat, crew and dedication first hand and we feel strongly that he has the ability to carry out this mission, and that the money will be used wisely to help prevent illegal fishing.

SharkBoat.org and its director Captain Chris Wade are working in conjuction with the Costa Rican government, and a Costa Rican non-profit NGO called PRETOMA to fight the illegal fishers. The Shark Boat will have a park ranger and a judge on the boat to assist them in their efforts. Boats suspected of illegally fishing in Costa Rican waters will be approached, inspected, and if warranted, prosecuted.

How you can help

Visit the SharkBoat.org IndieGogo campaign today - and donate to help Captain Chris Wade help the sharks.

Hammerhead sharks photographed at Cocos Island. Photo by Kadu Pinheiro

The M/V SeaWatch, aka "Shark Boat"

Where to Buy

Please support the Underwater Photography Guide by purchasing your underwater photography gear through our sister site, Bluewater Photo & Video. Click, or call them at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!