Dear Friend,

For millions of years, oceanic whitetip sharks were one of the most abundant shark species in the world. Unfortunately, in recent years their population has plummeted by as much as 88%. This is due in large part to fishing.

In 2018, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) listed this species of shark as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act, which obligated the agency to protect the species from harm.

Not so surprisingly, the Trump administration failed to do so. This is why today, on behalf of Defenders of Wildlife and Center for Biological Diversity, Earthjustice sued the Trump administration for its failure to act.

Ideally, the administration would have regulated the use of harmful gear and tactics by U.S. fisheries, especially after it recognized that oceanic whitetip sharks need protection. Instead, it is sitting idly by while allowing deadly fishing practices to indiscriminately sweep the sharks into their nets and longlines. This is why we are taking the administration to court.

Sharks are a critical part of the ocean ecosystem. My colleagues and I have helped protect dusky sharks, and with your support, we will continue fighting for their toothy cousins to keep the sea a healthy place for all!

Thank you once again for all that you do.

Sincerely,