Ocean Champion Assemblyman Jared Huffman (D-Marin/Sonoma), was honored on Sunday at Sea Stewards wrap-up Sharktoberfest event hosted by Turtle Island Restoration Network and Lori Grace of Sunrise Center in Corte Madera.
There was a great deal to celebrate this year – the passing into law of CA Bill AB 376 banning the sale of shark fins in the state, as well as shark sanctuaries popping up around the globe in ever increasing numbers as public awareness grows of the key role of sharks in ocean ecosystems and planetary health. It truly is a case of ‘No Fins, No Future.’
And as David McGuire reminded us, poaching is a big issue, and the need for enforcement of ‘shark safety zones’ remains a challenge that we must face as we move forward to protect sharks worldwide. And now that the shark fin ban has been signed into law, next up will be to ban the killing of sharks altogether in California waters.
Todd Steiner, Executive Director of the Turtle Island Restoration Network welcomed David McGuire to the crew out in Forest Knolls. David will be directing their ‘Got Mercury.org’ program working to protect fish & public health. David will also continue his shark research, conservation and advocacy and with the TIRN team, will be able to achieve even greater success for ocean protection.
This has definitely been Sea Stewards (and the sharks’) best Sharktober yet!