#savesharks

#Repost @teamsharkwater —— Shark DNA has been found in 1/3 of pet food samples, say scientists at Yale-NUS College in Singapore. Additionally, the ingredients listed on the pet foods did not indicate that shark was included but instead labels shark ingredients as “ocean fish,” “white fish” or “white bait.” Of the 144 samples tested from 16 different brands, 45 came back with Shark DNA. Blue shark was the most commonly identified species, followed by the endangered silky shark, whitetip reef shark, sicklefin weasel shark, Caribbean sharpnose shark and the sand tiger shark. "The vague terminology used to describe pet food ingredients, and in some cases, the mislabeling of contents, prevents consumers—in this case, pet owners—from making informed and environmentally conscious decisions; consequently, pet owners and animal lovers may unwittingly be contributing to the overfishing of endangered sharks," said co-authors Ian French and Dr. Benjamin Wainwright. @diegocardenosa , who was featured testing pet foods and cosmetics with Rob Stewart in “Sharkwater Extinction” found endangered sharks in 63% of pet foods purchased in the U.S. in a study released in 2019 and said, “Shark populations could benefit if consumers have the alternative to choose whether or not to purchase products containing threatened shark species.” Sharks are highly sought for their fins and livers – leading them to be overfished at an unprecedented rate. The remaining shark body has a low value and often becomes a by-product that ends up in pet foods, fertilizers and fish pellets. With over 75% of oceanic shark populations currently at risk of extinction, it is crucial for producers to be more transparent to their consumers. Invest in our planet by being a conscious consumer and buying products that are shark-free. #robstewart #sharkwater #savesharks #sharks #conservation #finfree #wildlife #robstewart #sharkwaterextinction #earthmonth #earthday # DiegoCardenosa (at Mother Earth) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc_7PVVlMGP/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=