Posted By: Tsicar On: 12/8/2011

Title: We are done. Now it's time to stop?

The 1st & 2nd countries are done exploiting the world. Now, they are trying to stop the 3rd world countries to do the same so they can come over and use them as clean playground:)?

Posted By: Nelson Mackey On: 11/10/2011

Title: Shark fins and Sea cucumbers

Hello every comment viewer. My Name is Nelson Mackey, President of Sunco Wholesale Seafood. I do agree about most of your comments concerning sharks. However, let us reason for a moment concerning sea cumcumbers and conch and crawfish and any other spieces for that matter. Number 1. Everything must have a balance. Predators in our waters are there for a reason to keep balance. When i spoke to the tribune corncerning sharks, yes i would say i was a little new in the business and didn't really thought things through concerning sharks. But i would say this, sea cucumbers is no different from crawfish, conch or any other scavanger we as gentiles intake into our system. They all eat off the sea bed and if fish or crawfish or any other shell or fin creature could speak they would comment against you. And you know what is so ironic we have person from the tribune staff that came to my office two years back disguise as something else. The people who normally complains about such things are the very ones who dont care about how our people eat or survive. Yes they come and enjoy our waters but do they even speak in respect, its for their enjoyment only. But do they care about how many people go to sleep at night with out food and cannot pay their electrical bill or hospital bill? Do they hand out donations or write about getting on the government backs to create more jobs. We are trying to help ourselves because no one is helping us. Ask yourself, Andros is the biggest island in the bahamas, the fifth largest of the carribbean but why is it less attended to by the government. Why is it the poorest island and treated without respect. Some of you comment but are only looking in but are not in... looking out. Most of our fresh water are transported to Nassau which worth millions but what is given back. Orteck Base gives the Government millions of dollars a year but Andros is still a sleeping giant.
We are more concerned about the humain society than we care about our hospitals; you do realize a pet or a stray dog has a place to take care of them name humain when we have a hospital named after horse and they has theirs name after human. Yes we are treated like dogs and will be always be treated so because what we should be concerned about we are not, just dumb and blind to see what is really going on around us. Don't get me wrong i love tourist that comes here its one of our mean resources but its also time we try standing on our on two feet. People come here they have the best part of our lands and many more things. Im not saying also that the government shouldn't put a banned on sea cucumbers like everything else, their should be a balance, but what i am saying we all must live, but i say this in closing don't let the people that make dicisions for us make them when they are not contributing to society. When they are only concern about their friends visiting and its not really about us, but their own bellies, loving to see us perish, not all mind you.
I say again don't get me wrong we talk about chinese this and chinese that, let me ask you something. Some chinese eat dog, rat, cat and other abominable things, but we are no different from them. The same God told you to not to eat the very things your eating now. We say our God say pray over it and eat it but why the chinese can't say the same, us hypocrites we are blind and always shall be, we dont even realize everything is still the same. A blind nation calling itself a christian nation still blinded to fact we are not serving God but our bellies.
I don't mean to same rude but i am offended it we had this inthuciasum about everything else crime wont be so high neither debt in society.
Wake up people be fear in all things and be true in all things, but first be true to yourself!!!

Posted By: James On: 6/20/2011

Title: In two years I'll just fish in Florida.

Hope the Chinese take those lion fish as well and at least do some good.
Wow can you imagine? Trying to describe to your daughter what a real reef
looked like! In 4 years you will be telling her only fish stories!
The truth is as clear as the water here!

Posted By: Emily On: 1/12/2011

Title: Stop Shark Finning!

This is WRONG! I am a quater chinese and I highly disagree with this act of shark finning. I am in high school and I am smart enough to relize that this is wrong. I'm a Bahamian that loves our waters. Take a look at China and Japan's oceans, they are lifeless. If we let them come into our waters and finn all our sharks then our oceans might end up like theirs. We cannot let this happen!

Posted By: lili On: 1/12/2011

Title: Letters

our school is writing letters to the priminister against the fining and hopfully we can make a differenct so if you have the time or u are a teacher you really should consider writing these letters

Posted By: Lily On: 1/12/2011

Title: Stop the fining

if people continue this not only will our eco system be bad but also our economy with all the tourist coming to see the sharks we will really lose buisness if there are no more sharks left

Posted By: Olga Zaric On: 9/28/2010

Title: JUST STOP!

Enough of this horror!!!

Posted By: Bill Keefe On: 9/26/2010

Title: Shark Finning

Shark Finning, in a word, is simply barbaric.
In addition, the practice makes no sense! Any plan that calls for the killing of an animal, then, uses less than 5% of the animal's body, is just not ecologically sound.
This decision should be a no-brainer for the Bahamian government.
For the sake of our long term well being in regards to our marine environment. Protect our Shark population and ship Conch Chowder to China instead!

Posted By: Jeff Campbell On: 9/17/2010

Title: Mr

I do research on shark population dynamics and I can tell you that sharks are long-lived, late to mature, have low fecundity, and generally small brood sizes. This is a set of ecological traits that make shark populations extremely slow to rebound from any pressure that reduces their populations.
One poorly paid fisherman can kill several hundred sharks a day, with the majority of the economic benefit going into the hands of the owners of the fishery. Once your waters are "fished out" the fishery will go elsewhere, leaving you with no tourism industry, no fishery, and a bust economy. If you cannot understand why this is wrong on moral grounds, then do the math and understand why it doesn't make sense on economic grounds.

Posted By: Susanna On: 9/17/2010

Title: Susanna

Bahamians, please rescue your sharks to provide your children and our world with a healthy nature. Your sharks are a big attraction and if they they your reputation as great tourism and dive place is spoiled! Don't let it come that far! It is your beautiful country and you should protect that first and keep it as paradise as it is! Thank you.

Posted By: shawn On: 9/15/2010

Title: Shark Finning

To any Bahamian citizen reading this, please be aware that this is not just a regular fishery. Shark finning WILL decimate YOUR birthright and that of every proud Bahamian, that birthright being the reefs and fish stocks that feed your country, your proud families and friends. Don't believe the apparent caring gestures and comments made by representatives of this company, once the sharks are gone, so will they be, with all the profits from YOUR Oceans. Please help the Oceans to have a brighter future in the Bahamas, stand up and say a loud and categorical NO to Shark Fisheries in the Bahamas

Posted By: Ronn McDonald On: 9/15/2010

Title: Sharks are not the problem...

Sharks are not the problem. Mans selfish needs always seem to take preference over global humaniterian importance..."aww, let someone else worry about the world...the environment...the sea...the pollution"... It's time we all help make a differance...Sharks are necessary in our environment. Let them be.

Posted By: Shannon Walker On: 9/14/2010

Title: Save the Bahamas

Please think about the important role sharks play in the marine ecosystem, tourism from scuba diving enthusiasts and the economy! What will be left of the Bahamas once all the sharks are killed off?

Posted By: Diane Burgin On: 9/14/2010

Title: Please protect sharks

The top predators in the ocean are an integral part of the ecosystem that provides oxygen to all of us. We need to use our brains and leave the ocean alone.

Posted By: Stephen Turnbull On: 9/13/2010

Title: Dr.

Shark fishing in the Bahamas is a bad move, especially for the purpose of finning. I am completely opposed to it. I take groups of students down to the Bahamas each year, injecting over $30,000 USD into the economy and I will pull that support in an instant if the Bahamian government allows this to occur in any form at all. Such a commercial venture will serve no other purpose other than to completely destroy the entire population of sharks in the Bahamas. Can the government not see that a live shark generates much more tourism dollars than a dead one's fins which is only short term!!! I can only hope and pray that the government acts responsible on this matter. I am in particular concerned with the Bimini area as the sharks there already have to deal with the disaster of Bimini Bay development!

Posted By: caribbean lover On: 9/12/2010

Title: for real

does the government even know who's harvesting sea cucumbers or who's backing such an export to the asian market. if you've ever been to asia (especially china), watched tv or read about the asian food market you'd know that everything is on the menu. today sea cucumber tomorrow sea fans!

Posted By: j kersten On: 9/12/2010

Title:

Dear Sirs, please listen to the voices of the people who know nature is so important for us all. I hope you listen to these voices. Help to protect the nature on the land and in the water. Respectfully.

Posted By: Jennifer Lee On: 9/12/2010

Title: Ms

I'm a Chinese but Im completely AGAINST this! STOP SHARK FINNING!

Posted By: Ray Jarman On: 9/12/2010

Title: Pointless

Why can you not understand that sharks have a place and a need to be in the sea, it will be too late to turn the clock back once the levels are to low. Stop this pointless killing now. Sea cucumbers also play a vital part in cleaning the sea, so if you take too many the environment suffers.

Posted By: Ronald On: 9/12/2010

Title: JUST SAY NO

Destruction of the apex predator (if done, fuelled purely by short-term greed), will lead to the destruction of your reef ecosystems, which will lead to the destruction of your tourism industry, which will lead to the implosion of your economy and your country. If not for the sake of the natural world in all its beauty and grace, reject this proposal for the sake of your PEOPLE. Sharks are worth far more as a sustainable tourism resource than a once-off kill for an overpriced and unnecessary Eastern delicacy (shark fin soup). Say no to finning and be part of the solution, not part of the problem...

Posted By: BRASA SUHONIK On: 9/11/2010

Title:

I hope they are one of the governments thats not blind.

Posted By: Maureen Toscani On: 9/11/2010

Title: Please say no to shark finning

Dear Bahamian citizens, Please say no to shark finning. If we destroy all the sharks then we will permanently damage our ecosystems and if we humans destroy the world's ecosystems we will only end up destroying ourselves.

Posted By: Jim Reid On: 9/11/2010

Title: As sharks die, so does our planet

"To any Bahamian citizen reading this, please be aware that this is not just a regular fishery. Shark finning WILL decimate YOUR birthright and that of every proud Bahamian, that birthright being the reefs and fish stocks that feed your country, your proud families and friends. Don't believe the apparent caring gestures and comments made by representatives of this company, once the sharks are gone, so will they be, with all the profits from YOUR Oceans. Please help the Oceans to have a brighter future in the Bahamas, stand up and say a loud and categorical NO to Shark Fisheries in the Bahamas."

Posted By: Jim Dodd On: 9/11/2010

Title:

Shark finners are nothing but barbaric murderers and MUST BE STOPPED!!

Posted By: Seamus Macnab On: 9/11/2010

Title: The world can't survive if we keep raping the oceans

We are continually raping the ocean of it's resources and polluting it with our waste, and yet somehow those in charge seem to think that over-fishing and finning sharks is still a good idea. These poor practices are catching up with us, and fast. We have to change our ways NOW. Taking more than we need simply makes no sense - we're going to gravely regret it!

Posted By: gabrielle methou On: 9/11/2010

Title: start being humane and intelligent

i agree: "Please think about the economics involved, the tourist trade and the environmental issues."
and all over the world, it has been proven thousands of times: it costs tons more to repair a natural disaster, especially those provoked by humans, than to prevent them.
let's start to be clever! we are savagely plundering our vital oceans! who are the beasts? what are we going to eat in a few years?
not even talking about the majestic creatures. but that's very personal opinion.

Posted By: Tami Kannenberg On: 9/11/2010

Title: Shark fins

Financially, sharks are worth more alive than dead. Others have said the same thing. Please think about the economics involved, the tourist trade and the environmental issues.

Posted By: Jordan Starkey On: 9/11/2010

Title: Huge mistake! STOP SHARK FINNING!!!!

You cant do this. The Bahamas is 1 of the largest shark havens in the world. Your going to make less profit if you proceed to shark finning. Divers will stop going to the Bahamas and go to other countries who protect their sharks. If you do this, you will be partly responsible for the extinction of all sharks.

Posted By: Vanessa Allen On: 9/11/2010

Title: PLEASE stop finning sharks.

PLEASE stop finning sharks. We need them for the balance of the marine eco-system. They are more use to the Bahamas alive as many tourists pay to see them or dive with them

Posted By: terry g On: 9/11/2010

Title: this cannot be allowed if the ecosystem is to survive

Finning sharks is a very, very narrowly-focused, profit-driven exercise that poses SEVERE threat to the oceanic ecosystem - without even mentioning the unmitigated cruelty of the butchering of these animals for no good necessity. On the outrage scale, it is no different from slaughtering lions on the African savannah, or the butchering of nearly extinct tigers in Asia - but it is in fact FAR WORSE in terms of the stability of the oceans, and without sharks we will see entire reefs and fisheries - entire ECONOMIES - collapse. This cannot be allowed. For ANY price.

Posted By: Marie Levine On: 9/11/2010

Title: Cars Homes Seafood firm may move into shark fins, sea urchins

Thousands of divers travel to the Bahamas each year solely to dive with sharks. If the Bahamas allows its sharks are slaughtered, divers will go elsewhere -- to countries that protect their sharks.
Back in 1992, the Maldives quantified the value of reef sharks: Their one-time revenue for a dead reef shark was $33.50, by contrast, the revenue to their tourism industry was $33,500 ANNUALLY per reef shark. The Maldives promptly protected their sharks.

Posted By: Kellie Moore On: 9/11/2010

Title: dont fall into the trap

Dear friends in bahammas
You are priveledged to live in one of the most beautiful island oceanic sites on our planet. Your aqua experience rivals many spots in the world. Your culture your homes your income your quality of life is all built on this very fact.
Your natural untouched beauty and healthy sea life attracts millions to your waters.......
What will you do if its all gone? What will you do if there are no more fish? Polluted water and large fishing boats cramming into your habours.....
Your quality and sense of belonging will be gone......worse your childrens legacy and futures will be extinct.
Its happening everywhere the world is controlled by money- the world is being raped of its resources. The large corporates can deny it as much as they like...the proof happens everyday.....change in weather, increase in poverty, lack of food to fish and hunt and grow......
Please don't fall into the trap so many others have.....it will not be ok tomorrow or next year or in ten......your environment.....your island......your seas will never recover if you allow them to poach sharks for fins.
Its your future your heritage your childrens legacy please protect it as the sharks protect your waters........
Written from Durban South Africa

Posted By: Eliana da Silva On: 9/11/2010

Title: Bahamas, please do not allow this to happen

killing the mostly and unfairly persued creature in the planet is only going to cause a complete unbalance in the sea life. please consider the environmental impact of the barbaric extermination of this beatiful species.

Posted By: Maricarmen Yanes On: 9/11/2010

Title: Mrs

BASTA ES BASTA!

Posted By: Christophe Jurdan On: 9/11/2010

Title: Do not accept Shark Finning !

Don't let them do in Bahamas ! protect your sea, protect your sharks !

Posted By: Veerle Roelandt On: 9/11/2010

Title: Please say no to shark finning !

To any Bahamian citizen reading this, please be aware that this is not just a regular fishery. Shark finning WILL decimate YOUR birthright and that of every proud Bahamian, that birthright being the reefs and fish stocks that feed your country, your proud families and friends. Don't believe the apparent caring gestures and comments made by representatives of this company, once the sharks are gone, so will they be, with all the profits from YOUR Oceans. Please help the Oceans to have a brighter future in the Bahamas, stand up and say a loud and categorical NO to Shark Fisheries in the Bahamas

Posted By: Steffi Finnerty On: 9/11/2010

Title: Kill sharks...kill ecosystem & tourism

Please do not allow shark finning. The shark population is in peril. They are being wiped out of the ecosystem which will be disasterous. It is barbaric and cruel.
The benefits of having sharks alive in the waters outweighs the need for death & the greed of people involved. They are important in many ways both to the ecosystem and to your tourism.

Posted By: Robert Hii On: 9/11/2010

Title: A good way to kill your tourism industry

There's enough concern out there among nature lovers who flock to your beaches for sharks.You put your own tourism industry at risk if you allow shark fishing.
Say no to this proposal.

Posted By: Kevin VdBeeuren On: 9/11/2010

Title: KevMan

It's so sad that this happens in this modern world each day.. I hope they are one of the governments thats not blind.
Peace out!

Posted By: Michael Lawrence On: 9/11/2010

Title: Common Sense

I find it nearly inconceivable that this request would even be considered by the government of the Bahamas. The economic benefit in terms of tourism by having the sharks in the water far outweighs the short term gains of the wholesale slaughter of the Bahamas resident shark population. It is only only the revenue spent on actual shark dives, it is the mystique surrounding the preservation of the natural world that draws visitors to the islands. Consider all revenues gained - hotel fees, dining, transportation, shopping, etc. Sustainability is the keyword. In addition to this obvious point, please consider the ecological fragility of the ocean. Take away the top predator and the entire balance is thrown out of kilter. This has been seen both in the water as well as on land in so many areas of the globe. it comes down to a simple decision, short term returns or the long term benefit. It seems like an obvious choice!

Posted By: Rowan On: 9/11/2010

Title: To tour or not to tour

The Bahamas is high on my list of places to visit because of its shark diving opportunities. If this agreement is signed I refuse to set foot in the country and I'm sure a lot of people feel the same way. Either you can use sharks as a SUSTAINABLE resource and keep the ecosystem in balance at the same time (because by now it has become abundantly clear that the only time the planet is safeguarded is if it makes people money) or you can kill them all off for a quick payday and seal the fate of our oceans. I trust you will do the right thing. What we need NOW is the formation of international laws BANNING shark finning, the eating of shark fin and long-lining fishing EVERYWHERE.

Posted By: Chris Beleskey On: 9/11/2010

Title: Seafood firm may move into shark fins, sea urchins

Really? Why are we still having this conversation? Has the world not figured out yet that killing any apex predator puts the entire ecosystem at serious risk not to mention that cutting the fins off live sharks and discarding thier live bodies back in the ocean to suffer a horrible slow death is creul? The Bahamas is already turning thier mangroves into waterfront developments at an alarming rate and in the process destroying the nusuries that are vital for young sharks to live in until they can survive in the open oceans. One of these practices is bad enough but if the government of the Bahamas allows shark finning to happen in thier beautiful (and still relatively healthy) ecosystem, they'll be delivering a death blow to the shark populations that call it home. Sharks losing thier breeding grounds and nursuries and also being killed as adults don't stand a chance not to mention it doesn't make any longterm business sense. People visiting the Bahamas come to see a pristine island as well as the ever increasing shark-diving ecotourism business and this will only increase in the future whereas finning is a short shighted plan with no winners. Please consider your actions carefully and make the proper and decent decision.

Posted By: Jaana Nystrom On: 9/11/2010

Title: Something fishy here?

Who benefits from superstitious and useless Chinese shark fin craze in the Bahamas government? Has money changed hands? This is so stupid and short sighted, I cannot believe my eyes! Shark fin has no taste, so let the Chinese eat their banquet soups with just pork / chicken and broth, without the fins.

Posted By: Erik Brush On: 9/11/2010

Title: Don't allow greed and shortsightedness to damage the Bahamas!

Shark finning is an eco-crime that threatens the entire Globe. Sharks are the most hunted animals in human history. They are vanishing at the rate of 104 Million a year. 78 million of these are killed only for their fins. 2/3rds of all shark species are down by 90-95% over the last 3 decades. Sharks are critical to healthy oceans by controlling massive amounts of small fish and crustaceans.
These in turn eat phytoplankton and algae. The Oceans provide us with 70% of our oxygen and control over 80% of carbon dioxide. This is the biggest greenhouse gas causing global warming. ( Which in turn affects weather such as tropical storms and hurricanes which affect the Bahamas greatly ). Also shark diving tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry and generates 37% of all Dive Tourism in the Bahamas. Decimating shark populations would not only reek havoc on the ecology of your ocean waters and contribute to the growing global warming crisis, it would cost the Bahamas well over 16.7 million dollars in annual dive tourism revenue. 41% of all divers report seeing sharks and rays as a number one draw to any reef or dive site! Shark finning is a loosing proposition all the way around! Tell greedy corporations that your marine life is not for sale or to be prostituted out at the expense of your nation.
I am Erik Brush. Shark Biologist and Conservation Author of "The Sixth Extinction" and "Anthroview". I am also an Administrator and legal advocate for the Global Shark Initiative.

Posted By: Sabrina LIghtbourn On: 9/10/2010

Title: Don't be a sell out

As we would protect our people from outside violence and abuse, so let us regard our marine life with the same diligence.

Posted By: listenup On: 9/10/2010

Title: assessMENT?

the bahamas government needs to put in place a vetting process for anyone wanting to commercially harvest creatures from our seas. PERIOD. most of the bahamas is ocean and it contains the wealth of the bahamian people. we're talking about harvesting on a large scale and all over the world countries are realising that it's best to know what you have before you sell permits for people to harvest. did this company Sunco even do an assessment of the area where they are harvesting?

Posted By: Gary Adkison On: 9/10/2010

Title: Directer: US Shark Foundation

It is incomprehensible that the Bahamian government would take such a giant ecological step backward after setting the bar so high with their forward thinking conservation initiatives. It is appalling that this company has been allowed to exploit any resource in their country without a sustainablity study. This same company was shut down soundly when they tried to harvest and exploit grouper populations around Andros as well as the fragile Conch population. I trust in the wisdom of the Bahamian Minister of Fisheries to see the abuse of another fisheries as not in any way being a financial asset to his country....whether it be sharks or sea urchins or sea cucumbers!

Posted By: Christopher Hartley On: 9/10/2010

Title: Please let us know right from wrong

For every action there is a reaction. Messing with the balance of nature is nothing to take lightly. We have no idea the effects of removing sea cucumbers from our seas. Sharks as well all know perform a vital role in keeping the fish of the sea strong genetically and free from disease spreading. We have a responsibility to the world to care for the nature around us, because despite us calling it Bahamian waters it truly belongs to the planet earth. We are one of the last unspoiled places on earth lets keep it that way.

Posted By: Gillian Parnwell On: 9/10/2010

Title:

I support this campaign to stop the needless killing of sharks around the world.

Posted By: Ari Safari On: 9/10/2010

Title:

A cruel,idiotic and archaic practice! Just have a look at the waters around China. Filthy and lifeless. Let the Bahamas be an example of what can happen when the marine environment is honoured and appreciated for the spectacular marine eco system that it is. Keep it in Balance.

Posted By: BRAXTON ASHLEY A.S.F.A On: 9/10/2010

Title: CUT IT OUT

Ladies and Gents, excuse me for a minute while I educate you in something very simple to understand. Our sharks are not here, for you to eat,. Our sharks are not here to be decapitated and suffocated. Our sharks are not here for your expensive dish known as "royalty" . my friend, sharks are here for us to survive on this planet, and with out them, and with out the ocean in its natural balance, we all shal perish. Leave the sharks alone already, give them a chance to re populate, you are destroying yourself!

Posted By: Tamee Ferguson On: 9/10/2010

Title:

This is disgusting and so short sighted. Stop raping the oceans. Just STOP it. There is Plenty of food for humans. We do not need to exploit the creatures of the sea just for some China man's taste. Have a little bit of pride for the beautiful world we are so blessed to be living in and stop putting money first. I think there should be a season for HUMAN HUNTING because there is just way too many, and with that comes sickness and disease which is what we are seeing right before our eyes!

Posted By: Carolyn Dale On: 9/9/2010

Title: Biodiversity

Please look at the bigger picture and ban all commercial harvesting, not just of sharks but sea cucumbers as well, to protect your beautiful reefs' biodiversity - this is so important for future generations to enjoy and surely more sustainable?

Posted By: John Tenorio On: 9/9/2010

Title: Is this a joke?

This is a stupid idea. A few people will make a ton of money for one year, maybe two. Then what? Why not stick with shark diving, which is much more sustainable?

Posted By: Jan Wouters On: 9/9/2010

Title: you'll be sorry when it's gone

My wife and I enjoyed your waters very much on a shark dive holiday. The reefs are healthy and full of life. If you let this company take away your sharks, and if you don't start to protect the sea urchins that filter and clean the water, you'll be left with an ocean desert that will ruin your economy.

Posted By: Jessica On: 9/9/2010

Title: Don't Forget to Sign the Petition

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ban-the-slaughter-of-sharks-in-all-of-the-bahamian-waters-slaughter-of-sharks-in-all-of-the-bahamian/
it was the third post in but just incase you scrolled down too quick!

Posted By: Lynn Jeffery On: 9/9/2010

Title: No to destroying marine ecosystems

All marine organisms in our oceans are part of a system that does not stand alone in an area but interacts globally. Ocean, land and air also interact with each other. We don't understand these interactions, we don't understand the ecosystems, we can't say a species is not important because we don't know. So to think that we can just use these resources at the behest of the tastebuds (perceived need of a few) of some other country and the chance of a few individuals getting rich is shortsighted and selfish. (This incidentally applies to all natural resources.) The Bahamas has a fantastic natural resource in its marine environment that brings in many people who want share this natural habitat and see the species that can't be seen elsewhere and are known to be in decline due to destructive human activities. Don't allow this to be destroyed, keep it, use it sustainably, don't abuse it. Short term gain equals long term pain. Set up a marine conservation area, build on these riches that you have already and share it. Have something to be proud of, that your children can be proud of, that future generations can look back on and be proud that the decision was taken by you to stop the destruction.

Posted By: Andrew Macdonald On: 9/9/2010

Title: Your kid's future

All indigenous peoples of the Bahamas Islands must unite to stop outsiders from depleting the rich natural resources of your islands by companies without morals or ethics whos sole purpose is steal from you to get rich.
The few 'people' who get rich will inevitably leave your place to avoid your justice when you wake up and realise exactly what destruction they have done to your islands and to the future of your kids. If you can be happy to let these people take your resources now, then you must begin to make preparations to explain this to your kids in the future.

Posted By: Jana Rajnohova On: 9/9/2010

Title: Petition to place a ban on shark fishing in the Bahamas

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ban-the-slaughter-of-sharks-in-all-of-the-bahamian-waters-slaughter-of-sharks-in-all-of-the-bahamian/

Posted By: Mary O'Malley On: 9/9/2010

Title: Sharks are worth millions -- ALIVE

The sharks of the Bahamas are a national treasure and a huge contributor to the nation's tourist economy. Because they reproduce so slowly, these iconic and valuable animals can be gone in the blink of an eye if a commercial shark fin operation is allowed to take place. Please make the Bahamas a Shark Sanctuary with full legal protection for all sharks!

Posted By: Kate Goodson On: 9/9/2010

Title: Huge NO to commercial shark fisheries

Selling the Sharks of the Bahamas to any commercial fishery is WRONG and SHORTSIGHTED. The Bahamas are a Mecca for large marine animal TOURISM and with out the sharks avid scuba divers will no longer come to dive. Be a part of the solution against Shark Finning not a contributor to the problem!

Posted By: Jana Rajnohova On: 9/9/2010

Title: Protect valuable marine resources of Bahamas

Shark Fishing in the Bahamas? I can't believe that they even think about it in the Bahamas. It hasn't been that long time ago when Bahamas were named for an EDEN for sharks. Bahamas might be one of the last place where sharks are still doing well, having nurseries to grow and freedom to move around while being highly valuable for our ocean! Asian demand will be greater and greater till countries which allow shark fishing will keep exporting their catch. Bahamas should definitely show the opposite reaction to Chinese demands to get a shark product from the Bahamas and build the campaign for shark protection. That will show the character of the country and become a great example for an environmental responsibility for the whole world. Why not to care more about the development of eco-tourism in your country and gain the finance directly from your own natural resources that tourists are willing to pay for. Not damage, not destruction to ecosystems and its organisms while the economy will be prosperous. More over, Department of Marine Resources should follow US Fisheries Service that recently made shark finning being illegal in the US. I think we should all step forward and make the efforts to stop consumption of shark products than supporting and looking for a way how to accomplish Asian's demands. It's them who needs to change their eating habits.
Bahamas should learn how to think and make decisions which would have a long-term effect with positive benefits both for the economy and the ecology rather than having short-term success only for the economy with irreversible change to ecology. Sustainability is the only way in the country like Bahamas. Stand up for the environment and protect your valuable shark resources by ensuring sustainable management. Keep the healthy shark population! I do believe that Bahamas will never allow anything like shark killing and contribution to world's decline in their numbers! Sharks are an inseparable part of our Ocean, important for a healthy environment and we need to educate those who are still unaware of shark's importance.

Posted By: George Gross On: 9/9/2010

Title: Support a NO way to shark finning!!!

Please support an approach to say no to harming sharks.Other food sources must be found to replace the fin soup craze!

Posted By: Michael K On: 9/9/2010

Title: don't start SHARE FINNIG

Posted By: Konstantina Kanellopoulou On: 9/9/2010

Title: The Shortsightedness of the Human Appeite

I understand the classical perspective of supply and demand and the role it will play in shark finning and sea cumcumber harvesting in the Bahahmas. What you must understand that this view is COMPLETELY OUTDATED AND INAPPROPRIATE!! The population of the Chinese is almost 20% of the worlds total and if we try to appease the demand for their traditional cuisine our world will be left barren and void of all its beauty. The sharks in the Bahamas belong to know one to hunt, and both the sea urchins and sharks are a vital part of an eco system that in turn affects other eco systems. We must start to look at the externalities involved in the decisions we humans make and our impact on the world. We must start looking beyond the bank accounts of the few and more into the conservation of what is left after all we have destroyed. For our childrens sake!!

Posted By: Cary On: 9/9/2010

Title: STOP SHARK FINNING

Were not only destroying these great creatures, we're destroying ourselves...for a bowl of soup?
If they do it, and make this disgusting practice legal, I hope the the horrible results of their actions wash up on the shores of there resorts and ruin all the tourism.

Posted By: Jerica Rose On: 9/9/2010

Title: STOP

Posted By: Arjuan Hulsebos On: 9/9/2010

Title: Just say no.

The seas are empty enough to stop _all_ fishing, let alone shark finning.
It's also telling that they're now only bringing in a sixth of the sea cucumbers that they were used to. That's a clear sign of overfishing.
If they have it their way, the sharks will disappear even faster, I'm afraid...

Posted By: Tania Rodth On: 9/9/2010

Title: Shark_Finning

If the Bahamas proceeds with this "idea" you can forget about me ever visiting and spending my money there.
I honestly thought the Bahamas had a lot more dignity than to ever consider that pure disgrace to our sees.

Posted By: Neil Harley On: 9/9/2010

Title: Disgusting

It's disgusting that a company wants to start finning in the current climate with more and more people becoming aware as to how appauling the practice is.
Let's hope the compny doesn't offer the politicians enough money for them to allow it to take place or if it does start that tourists stop going to The Bahamas..

Posted By: Gerard On: 9/9/2010

Title:

Gerard Smith if the governments are worried about jobs for their people why not invest in ecological tourism and sustainable practices and train their people to do these jobs. if the world keeps fishing and finning and slaughtering there will be a collapse of the oceans ecosystem that will destroy the planet not just the ocean, wee need the oceans to be healthy so as the planet maintains it's 21% oxygen in the air. If not for the sake of the planet for the sake of human kind! wake up and look around you at what is happening.

Posted By: Martin Kniss On: 9/9/2010

Title: If sharks die out, then oceans die, too!!!

This saddens me to no end. Just when one thinks there's progress being made, someone goes and mucks everything up for what? A measly profit!
I wished more people would watch and understand the movie 'The End of the Line'.
The End of the Line is a powerful film about one of the world's most disturbing problems - over-fishing. Advances in fishing technology mean whole species of wild fish are under threat and the most important stocks we eat are predicted to be in a state of collapse by 2050.
If sharks die out, then oceans die, too

Posted By: stephane de voogd On: 9/9/2010

Title: Shark Fin

Stop this terrible business that wont benefit anyone on the long run!
Been diving a lot and have seen ecosystems devastated by this business.
Stephane then Netherlands

Posted By: alan On: 9/9/2010

Title: mr

Please help protect the invironment. Sharks need our help before it is too late!!!!

Posted By: Renee Peel On: 9/9/2010

Title: MORE KILLING FIELDS ????

I am appalled that yet another killing field is being considered - have we not done enough harm ? Will it only end once we have killed every living creature in the Ocean, cause and effect - remove one and the dominoes will fall, one by one...
The great creator made everything inter- dependant, but man is the most destructive, until the day comes that Mother Nature hits back.....
This is is the worst news I have heard this week, already these magnificent creatures are so under threat - and for what - a dish that has no value what so ever.

Posted By: Andrew Marten On: 9/9/2010

Title: Kill sharks? You'll be killing your tourism industry

I was planning a dive trip to the Bahamas because I've heard so much about the pristine environment and Bahamians' enlightened approach to sustainable fishing. Please don't wreck your image in the eyes of the world by allowing this abhorrent practice to be carried out.
In all conscience i could not use my tourist dollars to support any country that permitted shark finning in its waters.

Posted By: Katrien Vandevelde On: 9/9/2010

Title: No shark fishing - No Way!

Last February my husband and I came to the Bahamas. Our soul reason for coming over was because the Bahamas is diving paradise. It's one of the very few places on earth where you can dive with healthy numbers of lemon, reef and tiger sharks. We enjoyed our week very very much and hope to return very soon. That is IF the sharks keep on being protected and no shark fishing whatsoever is allowed. Please Bahamas, stand your ground and be an example for the rest of the world. Don't kill your geese with the golden eggs!

Posted By: Richard Lefler, Seaprogram.org On: 9/9/2010

Title: BNT's Best Interest is "No" to Finning.

It is in the best interest of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) and it's executive director Eric Carey to continue to ban long-line fishing as it has for the last 20 years to ensure the Bahamas remains one of the dominate dive-tourist destinations in the world.

Posted By: Tami Kannenberg On: 9/9/2010

Title: Shark Finning: Just say no.

Please keep the Bahamas beautiful and healthy by protecting the sharks. Say no to shark finning.

Posted By: Julius Ho On: 9/9/2010

Title: Make the right decision - Say NO to shark finning

I urge the people of the Bahamas to make the right decision to protect your beautiful oceans. All concerned people of the world need to send a message that shark finning is not acceptable under any circumstances. We are trapped in a terrible cycle - the more it's fished, the rarer it becomes, the more expensive it is, the more desirable it becomes... and so on, until it's all gone. It happened to the Yangtse dolphin (now extinct), it will happen to sharks, and Napoleon wrasse, and sea cucumbers...

Posted By: Kat Shaffer On: 9/9/2010

Title: NO SHARK FINNING SHOULS EVER BE ALLOWED!

Our oceans and reefs need sharks to survive! We are already losing too many and we need to continue the trend of banning and enforcing No Shark Finning Laws! My husband and I are avid divers, who take several trips a year and love the fact we can go to your beautiful islands to dive with sharks and see them living and flourishing in your waters. But if shark finning is allowed we will have to find other islands to dive. We do not travel and provide out tourism dollars to anywhere that allows the destruction of any species, especially sharks and in turn our valuable oceans. Your islands have been a refreshing place to dive because of how plentiful the sea life is...PLEASE don't allow this type of business, this horrible slaughter. We need these amazing creatures and your islands will make much more money in the long term by providing them a safe haven away from finning!
Thank you.

Posted By: the hammer On: 9/9/2010

Title: hand soup

I like this idea. It sounds as tasty as sharkfin soup. Anything for a quick buck, right? I'm a big fisherman and love to eat fish, but it just doesn't make sense to keep sharks. sharks can be a pain and I have lost fish to sharks, but they do keep the ocean healthy eating sick and dead fish . I have tried to eat shark but the meat goes bad quickly and dose not taste good.

Posted By: David Diley On: 9/9/2010

Title: No No No!

I visited the Bahamas in 2008, like many people do, to dive with your magnificent local sharks and had one of the best weeks of my life doing so. The reason I chose the Bahamas? Your healthy shark population and attitude towards supporting shark-centric eco-tourism.
If shark finning is allowed in your waters you will permanently tarnish my opinion of your wonderful islands (currently my favourite place on earth.) If this is allowed, I can safely say everyone involved should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. Why tarnish the reputation of your islands just so some greedy, ignorant chinese can eat their disgusting, mercury filled, potentially cancer causing soup?
If you lose your sharks, you can kiss goodbye to a huge amount of the money brought to your islands in tourism and that's a fact.
Come on Bahamas, you're far, far better than that. Make money out of life, not needless death.

Posted By: Graham Thomson On: 9/9/2010

Title: Stop this nonsense!! What has the world come too......

Sharks are absolutely necassary to coral reefs surival. We depend on coral reefs for food and oxygen. If sharks are wiped out (they are endangered) then the reefs will become unstable and fish populations will die leaving all the Bahamas fisherman out of business. Less people will come to the Bahamas to shark dive because of this awful slaughter that takes place.

Posted By: Margo Pellegrino On: 9/8/2010

Title: Slowpaddler

How appalling! Wish there could be an international moratorium on shark finning. Would only make sense.

Posted By: L. Ray On: 9/8/2010

Title: NO MORE SHARK FINNING EVER

Please never ever take shark fins, ever,
there is no need for them,
and we need sharks in the marine ecosystem,
one day you will have to stop because the damage will be irreparable,
so why not stop now.
thank you.

Posted By: Sean Williams On: 9/8/2010

Title: Let us hope the Bahamas government will not be lead astray. Say NO to shark harvesting.

The Bahamas is known for white sand beaches, crystal blue waters and abundant marine life. Tourism is the biggest industry in the Bahamas, a large portion of those dollars come as a result of the image we all have of the waters teeming with marine life. Divers from all over the world make their way to places like Bimini, Tiger Beach (NW of GBI) and Stuart's Cove because they are famous for sharks. They poor millions of dollars into the economy by way of airlines, taxis, restaurants, shops, resorts, etc. It would be foolish to threaten this by opening up the shark fishery in Andros, let alone to a type of fishery so wasteful and unsustainable as shark finning. Lets be honest most of the money goes to the company investors and the Asian restaurants that finally serve the shark fin soup. A very small portion of each fin goes to the fishers or plant works from Andros. When you hear of shark fin soup selling for hundreds of dollars per bowl, don't be fooled into thinking that the Bahamian fishermen are seeing anywhere near that price, because they are not and never will.
Sharks have K-selected life histories which means they typically have long life spans, produce few offspring and have a very late age of maturity. For example some species of squalids (dogfish sharks) do not reach sexual maturity until 25ys of age. The lemon shark is around 12yrs, This does not lend itself to sustainable fishing. All around the world shark species are declining because they cannot cope with the fishing pressure.
It is now time for The Bahamas to take a stand, say NO to shark finning, say NO shark harvesting of any type and follow Palau's lead and create a shark sanctuary. The tourism dollars that would be generated by this route would far out number any dollars generated by an sustainable shark fishery. Not to mention creating a shark sanctuary will continue to bring in tourism dollars, whereas a shark fishery would undoubtedly be a boom and bust fishery that would only last but a few years.

Posted By: Truka On: 9/8/2010

Title:

why do we keep doing this to our planet! Dont let it happen Bahamanians. Tourists coming to see the wildlife will bring more money in the long term than short term harvesting of sharks and urchins.

Posted By: Shawn Heinrichs On: 9/8/2010

Title: Bahamas Sharks Belong to Bahamas

The Bahamas is one of the last places on earth with truly healthy shark populations. This is because the sharks have largely not been fished by commercial fisheries. Now there is a proposal to wholesale these sharks to China for their fins. It is time for Bahamians to take a stand for what is theirs and protect their incredible marine ecosystem. If the sharks are killed, the ecosystem will suffer and other fisheries will disappear. A Bahamas shark sanctuary would preserve these sharks forever.

Posted By: andy On: 9/8/2010

Title: no finning

this is just pathetic. Why don't we start harvesting chinese hands for soup?

Posted By: Cynthia St. Clair On: 9/8/2010

Title: No, No, NO!!!!!!

I don't understand why this is even a question. Anyone with a functional IQ of over 25 knows and understands that the shark populations are plummeting and that the Asians care nothing for the enviroment...they only care about getting what they want. As an avid scuba diver, I have been to and, prior to this, intended to return to the Bahamas for the sole purpose of enjoying their healthy shark population. Should this business be allowed to begin shark finning, I will not return, and I will do everything in my power to see to it that other divers boycott the Bahamas. If they are looking at it from a strictly financial position, the loss of tourists dollars is huge compared to allowing shark finning. Also, I do not understand why he is being allowed to "harvest" sea cucumbers and they are considering letting him "harvest" sea urchins. All of these creatures play critical roles in the marine eco-system. If things are allowed to get out of balance, the beauty and "value" of the Bahamian oceans goes to nil. Palau went through a similar quandry, but, thank goodness, her government showed the intellect and prudence necessary to keep the tourist dollars pouring into Palau and have disallowed shark finning/fishing. Please DO NOT let the Asians decimate the entire planet's oceans...

Posted By: beth oliveira On: 9/8/2010

Title: stop the export of urchins and fins before it starts

we all know that the ocean is delicately balanced. the loss of sea urchins in the bahamas has already caused an outbreak of algae that is killing coral, let's not take the survivors and feed the Japanese at the expense of our reefs. And shark finning? I don't think we even need to educate anyone on that issue! I believe that research on the effect of so many of the sea cucumbers being taken has been done. Everything in the ocean has a purpose. please do not allow this.

Posted By: John Nunes On: 9/8/2010

Title: Just say NO

Hi there, Bahamas is world famous with divers for its outstanding shark diving eco tour operation. If Sunco is allowed to proceed with a shark finning venture, I can guarantee you the tourism dollars divers pour into your country will be severely affected. Say NO, and stop it before it starts. Thank You.

Posted By: Susan Sargent On: 9/8/2010

Title: No Finning!

In full agreement here with all commentors-- NO, NO, NO shark finning. Pay attention Bahamas!! This is your beauty and soul being exploited once again! We must absolutely not let this happen and we must say NO now--before they get started.
And I will remind you all (many of you are aware, I'm sure) 'shark finning' is a diplomatic,misleading phrase for the cruel practice of cutting the fins off a LIVE shark and dumping the animal back into the sea to drown, which they will when they can no longer propel themselves forward in order to pass water through their gills to get oxygen, so they basically suffocate or drown in a slow cruel death as they sink to the sea floor. Sign me up for the protests!!

Posted By: Ann Laitinen On: 9/8/2010

Title: Say no to shark finning say yes to oxygen conservation

Sharks have been depleted 90% in the past THREE years by massive commetcial overfishing. Sharks keep smaller fish numbers in control. Smaller fish eat the plants (phytoplankton) that provide 60% of the Earth's oxygen. This is about more then saving these amazing creatures from extinction, this is about sustainable oxygen levels on the planet. Do the math, how long before there are no sharks left to control the population of fish eating the phytoplankton? If you were trapped in an elevator with a ten minute supply of oxygen; would you want an oxygen tank or a $100 bowl of shark fin soup? That is what this debate boils down to. Time is ticking...look at the devestation being done, it's getting to be too late, time is of the essence to protect sharks, sustainable fishing, and SUSTAINABLE OXYGEN!!!!

Posted By: Kristine Stump On: 9/8/2010

Title: Bimini, Bahamas

Shark-finning and urchin-harvesting are terrible ideas for ecological, tourism-related and political reasons. The Bahamas has made so many strides toward both sustainable development and conservation (e.g., Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, banning of longline fishing, Bimini Marine Protected Area, etc.) that I trust scientific knowledge and at the very least common sense will prevail in this case. Shark-finning is wasteful, unsustainable and detrimental to the country's lucrative shark-related tourism industry. Urchins graze down algae that outcompete corals, thereby allowing reefs to flourish. Sea cucumbers filter organic material on the ocean floor and turn over sediment so that it doesn't become a dead zone. Just look at what occurred in the famous Galapagos Islands for an example of what could happen if The Bahamas heads down this road:
http://edition.cnn.com/TECH/science/9808/24/sea.cukes.yoto/

Posted By: Julie Wright On: 9/8/2010

Title: Together against this.

The chinese don't consume,they devastate.They've bought millions of acres of african forest to exploite without any consideration for the gorillas.They use their new wealth to obtain whatever they want,anywhere &everywhere in the world.
Mr Mackey says he has got "to find a market" for the fins he intends to hack off Bahama sharks-in which solar system has he been living?EVERYONE knows there's only one market for this blood trade...
There will be 5000 chinese coming to build the BahaMar,yet Mr Mackey talks about giving "a lot of people in the community jobs".What kind of paradox is that?
There are many more jobs to be found to accomodate divers & tourists from all over the world &the Bahamas Tourist Board should know this & act accordingly.
Mr Carey & the BNT should be actively woking to get the Bahamas sharks protected & quckly,and should certainly refuse an export permit to Sunco.
The Bahamas government,the Department of marine resources,BNT,divers,tourists & ocean conservation groups must come together and make the right decision:Protect the sharks.And why not the sea urchins & sea cucumbers?Every species has a role to play in the sea.

Posted By: Christine Barnes On: 9/8/2010

Title: How could you even consider this an option

I don't understand what barbarian's could even consider this a good idea when it states how many scalloped hammer head's and oceanic white tip sharks have declined in the past 30 years. Yet, people still think that they have the right to go and hunt these amazing creatures all for some fins for an ancient chinese soup. The whole idea is ludicrous and is absolutely not okay by any circumstances whatsoever. Not to mention that in the article, it clearly states that the sharks are one of the attraction points for people to visit the Bahama's is to see these animals up close and in person. The fewer the sharks, the more that that could harm the Bahama's tourism. I know that I will not support any country that willingly allows shark finning or any other kind of harm to animals. And don't forget that sharks and all animals in the oceans are full of mercury from all of the other pollution we have mankind have created over the lifetimes!

Posted By: Clarke Fullerton On: 9/8/2010

Title:

Same old story.One species at a time gets added to the exploited list.Where does it end?How long before common sense and moral judgement can prevail?It's time lessons were learned from what has already happened and predictions about what will occur become pressing matters to those who can affect policy.It's already understood that even the removal of one species from the food chain can have devastating effects on the marine habitat.Enough is enough,do we really need to push species to the point where natural mortality can turn into extinction because of our interference?Ignorance is no longer a defence.

Posted By: Grant Johnson On: 9/8/2010

Title: Bimini, Bahamas

Shark-Finning is one of the most wasteful, least sustainable fishery practices that exists anywhere on Earth. And it was created to harvest something that has no nutritional value.
And sea urchins play an important role in maintaining the health of the coral reef. Harvesting urchins would diminish the health of Andros' world famous barrier reef.
I'm confident that the Government of the Bahamas is smart enough to realize that opening shark and urchin fisheries in the Bahamas is a horrible, short-sighted idea.

Posted By: Gina Sanfilippo On: 9/8/2010

Title: Do not kill endangered species

Worldwide populations of sharks are down by en estimated 90-95% due to overfishing and shark finning. As a result, many species of sharks, particularly the larger sharks, are right now in danger of extinction. Shark species are generally slow to mature and reproduce, and when they do, they produce relatively few offspring.
Shark finning is an extremely cruel and unsustainable practice that even now is currently depleting our oceans of sharks, and is contributing to their extinction. Allowing shark finning in the Bahamas will not only expedite this horrible process, it will kill the shark diving businesses in the Bahamas. Currently there are several operators in the Bahamas who make their living by taking divers to see sharks in the wild. Finning these sharks will drive these operators out of business.
Please ban shark finning in the Bahamas!

Posted By: Linden Wolbert On: 9/8/2010

Title: You kill sharks, you kill our ocean ecosystem

There is a delicate balance with sharks and all ocean creatures which must not be disturbed any further. If we continue to rob the oceans of all her checks and balances, we will see a horrifying and dramatic alteration of every other facet of our ecosystems. Please see that these amazing animals will disappear if you allow this type of fishing to happen, and know you are depriving yourself and everyone on the planet of far more in the process. Please ban shark finning in the Bahamas and protect your waters and reefs!

Posted By: Tara On: 9/8/2010

Title: Apex predators are more valuable in the ocean

This is terrible news. Shark-finning takes a tremendous toll on shark populations. The loss of one of the apex predators in the marine environment would cause drastic and irreversible changes.

Posted By: Brandon On: 9/8/2010

Title: Brandon

Sharks are a vital component of the marine ecosystem. Humans and sharks share a position at the top of their respective food chain. Taking either of us out of these would result in overpopulation and ecosystem destruction.

Posted By: Sanaa Benjelloun On: 9/8/2010

Title: Sharks belong in the oceans not in soup

it is crazy to think that allowing to export shark fins from the Bahamas to create jobs, sharks are worth a million time more money alive than dead, for nation who depends on tourism and diving this is absolutely irresponsible, please leave sharks roam free, they are already struggling enough to survive .
the Bahamas should follow the example of nations like Palau and the Maldives for the sake of their economy and for the sake of humanity

Posted By: Demian Chapman On: 9/8/2010

Title: Dr. Demian Chapman

This is a terrible idea. Allowing a shark fin fishery to develop is incongruent with the Bahamian reputation as a world leader in shark conservation and shark eco-tourism. If this fishery occurs it is very unlikely to be sustainable and will threaten many of the species that are important to local tourism.

Posted By: Veronika Olivier On: 9/8/2010

Title:

Shark finning has been going on for a much longer time than some may think. It is ugly, barbaric, disgusting and a crime to us all, especially the oceans and all sea life therein.
This is unacceptable and must end once and for all!

Posted By: Kathy On: 9/8/2010

Title: Bahamas Hotelier

I am absolutely appalled and extremely saddened by this new development. Shark finning should NOT ever under any circumstances be allowed!!! The Bahamas is in need of new industries and new jobs but this is a disgusting practice that must be stopped. The fact that it is even being considered is very disturbing.

Posted By: Mudassir Khan On: 9/8/2010

Title: Protect your unique treasures!

I have only seen the sharks in Bahamas in first hand videos which are made by and feature my friends - so these are real - these are not some media hype videos, real videos that show that these sharks are such beautiful and magnificent creatures, they mean no harm to us, they are as friendly as any other animal ... all over the world people have killed sharks to extinctions, yet in Bahamas what you have is unique - unique in this world and it is an environmental treasure ... a treasure that needs to be protected for our future generations ... if Bahamas also gives in to shark finning like rest of the world, it would one day become like rest of the world ... it will loose its individuality ... it will loose its marine life and the associated foreign exchange it earns from tourism ... I believe its time to make a stand and time to say no to ruthless killing ... give up shark fin soup and let these animals live, its good for your environment and its good for your economy in the long run.

Posted By: Paul Lowe On: 9/8/2010

Title: We have not yet begun to pay

There is no free lunch and anyone who thinks that "gifts" in the form of stadiums brought by smiling ambassadors are free need to think again.
The record of the Chinese government for environmental protection is appalling at best, and if we think that our environment means anything when it comes to investors from that land we are fooling ourselves.
How on earth did anyone get permits for this kind of environmental rape - shark fining? Get real, this is only the beginning.

Posted By: Chip Earle On: 9/8/2010

Title: Taking sea cucumbers & shark

Let the Japaneese take the animals from their own waters. Oh wait, they already have. So they come all the way around the world to take Bahamian animals. Will they take them all like they did in there waters? And then what for them and for the Bahamian people?

Posted By: Marcia Musgrove On: 9/8/2010

Title: Get knowledge, Get Wisdom

I am apalled enough that I found about this mass scale sea cucumber harvesting for a foreign market. (Get knowledge) But shark finning is absolutely, positively a bad idea because of the fallout it would have on our marine ecosystems and the fact that it is inhumane and wasteful. (Get understanding) Anyone, with knowledge of how our marine ecosystems work would understand this. (Get wisdom) The fact the sea cucumber landings have declined so significantly in such a short time, should clue us in to how unsustainable this practice is. I support sustainable fisheries, but not ignorance.

Posted By: Tkshrop On: 9/8/2010

Title: Shark finning? Urchins? Bahamas?

Shut 'em down, shut 'em down, shut 'em down.

Posted By: Alisa On: 9/8/2010

Title: Horrible idea!

I can't even believe this idea is even being entertained! I have always respected & admired the Bahamas shark population! Visiting the beautiful, healthy ecosystems in the Bahamas is a highlight for any diver! Shark finning is a wasteful, barbaric & unsustainable practice. With shark populations on the decline & with many species facing extinction, this cannot happen! Ever wonder why the Bahamian reef ecosystems are so healthy? It's because of that goregeous shark population!!! The Bahamas should take a lesson from places like Palau & the Maldives who have recently established shark sanctuaries. It has been found that sharks are worth more ALIVE than dead in terms of eco-tourism. Bahamas...what are you thinking???

Posted By: Nicole On: 9/8/2010

Title: Make the right decision.. Dont do it

you cannot let them do that shut them down this is an outrage & we will not stand for it..

Posted By: Catherine On: 9/8/2010

Title: Eco Tourism & Shark Finning DO NOT co-exist

Eco tourism & shark finning cannot co-exist, hopefully The Bahamas makes the right decision. Do you want the money from repeat tourists attracted by the promises to see sharks & dolphins & rays in their natural habitats or lose your beautiful natural resources to short-term gains/greed?

Posted By: Cristina On: 9/8/2010

Title: Bad Bad Idea

The Bahamas are the world's prime destination for shark divers and reef enthusiast Our ecosystem is healthy and to remain so it need balance. Shark finning is a useless practice, detrimental to the entire aquatic environment and in the end to the Bahamians, who's lives depend from it.
Something has to be done soon, stop them, before it's too late...

Posted By: Denise Edgar On: 9/8/2010

Title: Business owner

Please stop over fishing in the Bahamas. Any and all marine wildlife. The unsustable fishing industry must be stopped now before it starts. Please set the stage for a world that is ready to be responsible for it's oceans now. thank you

Posted By: David G. Campbell On: 9/8/2010

Title: Shark Finning would be a Travesty

For twenty years, Bahamians have been admired the world over for their farsighted ban on long line fishing. Coral reef ecosystems need top predators like sharks to remain healthy and productive, and it would be short-sighted and irresponsible if shark finning were permitted in Bahamian waters. All of us who love these islands and the sea around them need to voice our outrage against this tragedy-in-the-making, before its too late.

Posted By: Erasmus Folly On: 9/7/2010

Title: Sunco

Minister Deveaux, please shut Mackey and his Chinese-American investor down. We don't need this. We need people to look at our pristine oceans, tourists, not exploitative, voracious, capitalist gone bad monsters who are here to rape and pillage and move on to the next sucker. Bahamians unite on this one! Short term profit is not the answer. We need sustainable development. We don't need people raping our oceans for export and greed. Wake up!

Posted By: Melissa Maura On: 9/7/2010

Title:

I cannot believe what I am reading! SHARK FINNING!!!!!!!!????????????? This is considered one of the most barbaric and wasteful exploitation of the ocean's great predators, WITHOUT WHICH, the entire ocean eco-system will collapse. Are we SO ignorant in my country that we will fall back into such pre-historic and cruel practises? The Chinese have managed to wipe out numerous species of animals (the tiger and Asian Rhino etc. etc. being on the brink of extinction because of the Chinese belief that the body parts are aphrodisiacs) OVER MY DEAD BODY are they going to start shark finning in my country - we'll fight it I can tell you. Chinese GO HOME and leave our fragile oceans in peace. RISE UP Bahamas and see the light....!! This is the way we lose the very resources that bring us our bread and butter. I'm appalled and feel totally violated. Who is Mr. Mackay?? Bahamian? If so SHAME ON YOU! If not, GO AWAY and leave our islands in peace....

Posted By: Debra Trewin On: 9/7/2010

Title: Shark Finning?

They must be insane to even consider this. The rest of the world is beginning to ban it and the Bahamas going to start it to feed another country their stupid tasteless delicacy. Tourism will go down and the reputation of our country with it. Who is this James Mackay saying he going to do this with no regard of our eco system. Also is this Sunco the same as Sunco Construction?

Posted By: JIMBO On: 9/7/2010

Title: DON'T TRUST CHINA...

I TOLD PEOPLE A LONG TIME AGO FROM THAT SO CALLED GIFT. CHINA WANT SOMETHING FROM THE BAHAMAS, THE GOVERNMENT BETTER BE WISE THESE CHINA MAN THEM SHARP THEY WILL TRY TO BUY THERE WAY IN. THEN TAKE OVER YOUR LAND YOUR SEA IN A NUT SHELL RAPE THE BEAUTIFUL BAHAMAS TRY. TRUST ME I CAN SEE IT BAHAMIAN LEADERS LOVE MONEY AND DON'T GIVE A RAT'S **S ABOUT THE BAHAMAS!!!

Posted By: hedy On: 9/7/2010

Title: NO FINNING!

This is an awful idea- my family and I are coming to the Bahamas this winter because of its shark population! Don't succumb to this disgusting practice, or there will no longer be any "real" sharks to enjoy...

Posted By: Duncan Carson On: 9/7/2010

Title: No no no

Word is already spreading round the internet about this and I can tell you people are NOT happy about it. By encouraging shark-related tourism (diving, boat trips, etc) more employment can be generated than through finning. Finning is also short term only. Once the sharks are gone they are gone forever and there is no more revenue. This is very short sighted! Ban finning and protect sharks!!

Posted By: Save the Sharks On: 9/7/2010

Title:

There are so few places that still have healthy shark populations. These sharks are not only important for the marine environment, but they are also vital to tourism. Please protect the sharks in the Bahamas.

Posted By: protect the sharks On: 9/7/2010

Title:

Sharks keep our oceans healthy and are important to local tourism. We need to protect the sharks before it's too late.

Posted By: concerned On: 9/7/2010

Title: save them now

clearly something has to be done to keep this situation from getting out of control. someone should do something soon to save the sea creatures, including sharks.

Posted By: bluefish On: 9/7/2010

Title: BAD BAD idea

sharks keep the ocean in a balanced state. they eat the fish that have parasites like sea lice which stops the diseased fish from spreading the lice. pulse they are cool.

Posted By: Jose Rodriguez On: 9/7/2010

Title: harmful to tourism

I am a PADI certified dive master and I think this is a really bad idea. We are world renowned for our shark diving and this is going to harm the dive industry.

Posted By: Clueless On: 9/7/2010

Title: BAD BAD Idea

This needs to be stopped and stopped FAST. This is a disasterous fishing method and almost every 'civilized' and environmentally concious country has banned it. We need to get the BNT involved in this quick and make sure our fine Minister in charge of fisheries knows where the Bahamas 'SHOULD' stand on finning of sharks.
NO NO NO!!

Posted By: donna allen On: 9/7/2010

Title: bahamas wake up

quit letting these foriegn fishing boats take your wealth. the sea is your gold dont let them have it. i dont know who wana eat a sea cucumber it is a nasty thing anyway but i can tell you there are plenty lion fish in the crawfish traps so maybe they can have those and then go home hey.

Posted By: stand up On: 9/7/2010

Title:

How many 3rd world countries have been bribed into the rape of their sea coast???

Posted By: Bahamas for Bahamians On: 9/7/2010

Title: Here We Go Again!

Man is always messing up our ecosystems and food chains for that almighty dollar! Man is slowly destroying the Brazilian rainforests; the Japanese fishermen are killing off all the whales and the Chinese have been foraging everything else that moves. I wish Bahamians would stop selling out our country for every dollar that they could make. No one individual owns this country. We owe it to our future generations to protect and sustain our natural resources. I hope the Bahamas National Trust puts a stop to this madness!! What could you possibly get that's edible from a fin of a shark? We really need to re-implement and extend our hanging laws to other crimes of stupidity.

Posted By: Mao Zedong On: 9/7/2010

Title: That's the price we pay for the new stadium...

which we didn't need, but our politrickians couldn't resist a "freebie."

Posted By: Not in the Bahamas! On: 9/6/2010

Title:

BNT needs to fight this...the Chinese have already depleted their shark stocks and pretty much every natural resource they can get their hands on, dont let them come ruin our ecosystem! It's also a wasteful exercise...for the most part they don;t even care for the shark meat, the fin is just sliced off and the shark is tossed back in the ocean to die. Let's not be blinded by a few quick bucks people!

Posted By: Let the sharks be On: 9/6/2010

Title:

Interesting that the chinese are coming here now for shark fins, cause they about killed every single other shark in the rest of the world. We cannot let them get their hands on our resources! they're only here to steal and rape as much as they can, and once they got everything they're going to leave us with nothing, for now or the future. 25 jobs are not worth generations of starving Bahamian fishermen.

Posted By: erasmus folly On: 9/6/2010

Title: Sad

Man is a diseased creature who murders all of God's creatures for selfish profit. Sad.