Sharkbook

The “Friends of Hector” campaign is trying to teach Canadians about the collateral impact of unsustainable fisheries on the marine ecosystem. And they’re doing it through social media.

This cute flash cartoon (I love the “beachball") is the viral bait:

And once Hector has you on the line at the campaign site, friendsofhector.org, you are asked to “friend” Hector the Blue Shark:

“Meet Hector, the blue shark. Hector and his friends love the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, but it is not a safe place to be these days. Every year, 100 000 sharks and 1200 sea turtles are caught and thrown back by Canada’s swordfish longline fishing fleet. Many thousands of them die. Yikes! That’s a lot of friends for Hector to lose.

Currently, there are no rules to stop this wasteful practice. Sharks in Canada need your help!”

You can even take a picture of yourself with Hector and add it to their gallery:

Will this adorable, but childlike approach help save the Atlantic sharks? Unsustainable fisheries are increasingly coming under fire, and responsible fishers, suppliers and restaurants are filling the demand. Speaking out against the needless bycatch of sharks is one thing. Turning down unprovenanced — but delicious — grilled swordfish is another.

Here’s hoping you’ll do both.

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