In Ecuador, A Growing Controversy Ecuador president Rafael Correa's decision to legalize the sale of shark fins, as long as the sharks are caught "accidentally," has led to a bloodbath—and started a growing controversy.

Fishing boats have returned to shore laden with fins of dozens of species, including several that are threatened with extinction, which are vital to maintaining biodiversity, according to critics.

The spectacle of fins piled up on piers has triggered a political row, pitting the government and fishermen against the rest of the country. Most of the fins are exported to Asia, where they end up in soup bowls.

Incidentally, Correa's move is sure to threaten the viability of sharks around the Galapagos Islands, which are really one of the world's great treasures. He might as well have encouraged hunters to go slaughter all the blue-footed boobies and sea lions. The only difference is, they live above ground.

Here's some small good news for sharks: Canada is commencing a shark "census" to evaluate the health of shark populations in its water.

"We do not want sharks to go the way of the cod," ...said Dr. Steven Campana, head of the Canadian Shark Research Laboratory at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography.

Remember, all you summer diners out there: If you see shark on a menu at your favorite seafood restaurant, it's easy enough to ask the waiter to tell the chef that you don' t support serving shark..... Here's one UK chain that voluntarily stopped serving shark.

And—sorry all you sushi-lovers—it's time to do the same with Atlantic bluefin tuna. They're almost gone....
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