Sharks threatened, need public comments now!

To borrow a line from the movie JAWS: "Just when you thought it was safe (for sharks) to go back in the water..."

In 2011, activists like you helped propel the California law banning shark fin sales and possession to victory. In early July, that shark fin ban went into full effect.

But already, our hard-won victory is threatened by a proposed federal regulation which may preempt California's and other states' shark fin ban.

Take action to protect sharks: Make a public comment against a federal rule change that would threaten California's shark fin ban.

[Update 7/9/13: The public commenting period has once again been extended. More than 2,000 public comments about the NOAA's proposed rule change have already been submitted – and the vast majority of those comments were made by California League of Conservation Voters supporters like you! Please ask your friends to submit a comment before July 31 here.

And check out the current comments: http://1.usa.gov/12p7bPY]

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's fisheries management division recently proposed a rule that says state and territory shark fin laws are pre-empted if they are found to be inconsistent with federal fishery management plans or regulations. The proposed regulation would allow fishermen to possess shark fins as long as they are "naturally attached to the corresponding carcass."

This proposal once again opens the door to shark finning, a barbaric practice that has led to a dwindling shark population, which in turn threatens our entire ocean ecology. Congressman Jared Huffman, who co-authored our California law as a member of the state Assembly, is working with other members of Congress to oppose the regulation. But he needs more California voices to join him a loud chorus of "NO!"

Help protect sharks: Make a public comment now.

In JAWS, the shark was the villain. But in reality, humans are preying on sharks with devastating consequences for shark species and our environment. If passed, the fisheries management division proposal would be a huge blow to the movement to stop the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning.

The extended public comment period on this proposed regulation ends on JULY 31. Please take a moment to make your voice heard once again. Sharks and our fragile ocean ecosystem depend on all of us to protect them.

Thank you for standing up for sharks!