Plus: Escape hatches for turtles caught in fishing nets

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SHARK FIN DISHES SOLD IN THAILAND MAY BE MADE FROM ENDANGERED SHARK SPECIES

WildAid recently added a new tool to fight back and protect sharks: research data. We worked with a team of researchers to conduct a DNA study and identify endangered species in shark fin soup across the country. The results were shocking: 62% of the samples belonged to shark species at risk of extinction, including the critically endangered great hammerhead shark.

These findings are key as we continue our work to educate consumers ([link removed]) about the damage being done to shark populations, especially as more than 1/3 of shark species are threatened with extinction. Sharks play a crucial role in maintaining marine biodiversity and ocean health—something that impacts all life on earth.

The full findings of this study will be available in the coming weeks—stay tuned to WildAid’s website and social platforms.


** WORKSHOPS FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN VIETNAM
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We recently hosted two workshops in Vietnam’s Hue province focused on wildlife conservation, one in the tourism sector and the other in the traditional medicine sector. Hue is a popular place for tourists and is known for high rates of wildlife consumption.

At our tourism workshop, we created an industry network to promote wildlife conservation in the province, with participants signing our “commitment board” to protect wildlife in tourism throughout the area. Our traditional medicine workshop brought leaders together to participate in focus group discussions about natural, sustainable alternatives to wildlife products used in medicine.

We’re hopeful community-based workshops like these can help provide the awareness and education needed to reduce the demand for wildlife products ([link removed]) and protect vulnerable species.


** PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: MARINE PROTECTION IN CHINA
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China’s waters are home to endangered populations of dolphins found nowhere else in the world. And its coast provides vital breeding ground for vulnerable populations of spotted seals, sea turtles, and other wildlife. At the same time, it faces significant challenges such as unsustainable fishing, marine pollution, and climate change.

As WildAid’s Marine and Wildlife Program Director in China, I’ve spent the last twelve years working with the team to strengthen public awareness and policies to protect threatened wildlife and advocate for healthy oceans.

The mass media campaigns we run with celebrity ambassadors like actor Jackie Chan and pianist Lang Lang ([link removed]) have dramatically changed public attitudes towards marine life like sharks and sea turtles. Proven by survey data, WildAid media campaigns across China have already brought about – 
* 45% decline in the number of people who would consider buying sea turtle products,
* 80% decrease in shark fin consumption in mainland China.

Despite these positive changes in consumer behavior, overfishing remains the single greatest threat to species like whale sharks and spotted seals. China aims to tackle this challenge and strengthen enforcement of its 271 marine protected areas, expanding protection for marine life through a planned network of new ocean national parks.

WildAid has been appointed as a technical partner for this effort and advises the responsible government agencies in China on how to strengthen their network of marine reserves. Putting effective protections in place for the vibrant underwater ecosystems along our coast is a top priority.

With WildAid’s partnership, China's coastal fishing fleets will soon begin using turtle excluder devices. These “escape hatches” for turtles prevent them from drowning when they are accidentally caught in fishing nets and have proven to be effective 98% of the time.

The devices are common fishing practice internationally, but they are not yet used here in China. The WildAid team is helping to train fishing boat crews and accelerate the adoption of the practice among Chinese coastal fishing fleets this year.

With your help ([link removed]) , WildAid can provide world-renowned marine protection expertise on the ground and at sea, as well as implement mass media campaigns that shape public opinion across China.

My hope is that my generation will take up this cause to eradicate illegal fishing and curb biodiversity loss in my lifetime. Join us in protecting marine life like sea turtles, dolphins, and spotted seals across China and beyond.

Yours in conservation,
Michelle Zhang, WildAid Marine and Species Programs Director, China


** YOU CAN INSPIRE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE TO MAKE CHANGE
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Like you, we care deeply about the future of this planet and the billions of creatures that call it home. Like you, we know that action must be taken now ([link removed]) , while there is still time to give wildlife a fighting chance.

We invite you to be inspired by this video ([link removed]) and all the ways we’ll do this work together in the year ahead. With your help, WildAid can motivate millions of people worldwide to take action that protects and preserves wildlife at risk.

Your donation to WildAid is needed today ([link removed]) , and any contribution you make between now and December 31, 2023, will be doubled in impact by a matching gift.  Join us, and let’s give wildlife a fighting chance.
DONATE ([link removed]*16y4haj*_ga*MTk1NzYxNzc5Ny4xNjc3MjY1MzE0*_ga_M7CRT7XV71*MTY5MDM4NjY5My4xOS4wLjE2OTAzODY2OTMuNjAuMC4w#!/donation/checkout)

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