Activism MEETS Food: My Support for a Shark Fin Ban in Toronto

Monday, October 24, 2011 Categories: , , , , , ,

It was bound to happen sooner or later. 


For those that know me, you know that I am a big activist. If something isn't right, I am usually one of the first to speak up. I have been contemplating whether to keep this food blog politics neutral but honestly-- to hell with it. Food IS Politics and Politics IS Food. There is no avoiding it. The food choices you make do have an affect on the world we all share. 


Let's get something straight. I am not here to convince you to go vegetarian [or better yet VEGAN ;) ], while I'd encourage it its not my choice to make. It is YOURS! What I will aim to do is challenge you to be CONSCIOUS of the foods you consume, that way you can at least make an INFORMED decision for yourself.


They take the dorsal fin and throw the rest back into ocean
leaving the shark to drown and die.
Banning shark finning has been an issue I have been in support of from some time. It all started with watching Rob Stewart's film Sharkwater. Prior to watching the film, I had no idea how big of a nose dive shark population was taking. Let alone that there were government's around the world who were allowing "fishermen" to catch sharks, take only their dorsal fin, and throw the remains back into the water-- wasting 95% of the shark. We are constantly bombarded by images of famine around the world yet this barbaric act continues to take place while the people we elect to represent us turn a blind eye to it.
At $80 - $200 a bowl. Shark Fin Soup-
NASTY in more than one way.


Shark fin soup is seen as a delicacy by the Chinese believed to provide "healing" properties, despite no scientific facts to back this up. Shark fins essentially serve the same purpose as potatoes in a soup. No flavour, just texture (and "healing" properties if you believe in magic). The consumption of sharks might actually harm your health due to high mercury content in the meat. Sharks are at the top of the food chain in the sea. They consume a whole lot of smaller animals in the sea who also contain heavy metals and contaminants including mercury.


Well, Toronto has taken up the torch on this very important issue calling for a ban on the sale, import, and possession of shark fin and shark fin products. Other cities and countries around the world have already accomplished this including: Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, Washington State, Brantford & Mississauga, Ontario. Torontonians, however, are meeting a lot of resistance for the ban including their current mayor everyone loves to hate-- Rob Ford. Well, it is time for Canada to help our fellow Torontonians and supportive members of Toronto City Council out.


Still unsure? WATCH THIS!



LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!


UPDATE: TORONTO HAS BANNED SHARK FINS WITH A VOTE OF 38-4 ! 


Let's hope the rest of the world will follow!

SIGN THE PETITION: PETITION


TWEET: 
Mayor Rob Ford (UNSUPPORTIVE MAYOR) 
Councillor Kristyn Wong Tam (SUPPORTIVE COUNCILLOR) 


Use the #FinFree and #FinFreeTORONTO hashtags in your tweets               


FACEBOOK: FIN FREE TORONTO


EMAIL: Mayor Rob Ford (mayor_ford@toronto.ca)
                List of City Councillors' Emails 

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