ifaw

Together with Catherine Bell I attended CITES AC33 where the Committee investigated whether Parties are doing enough to comply with sustainability conditions for shark trade. The Committee recommended #urgent action is needed for 9 shark or ray species/country combinations. We reiterate our continued support for implementation in countries like China, Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, Oman, Panama and Yemen, with thanks to our funders The Flotilla Foundation and Shark Conservation Fund (SCF). ifaw was recognised for our capacity building work in a number of countries, including Panama and Oman.

The EU Seal Trade Regulation needs to be Celebrated not Evaluated! The Seal Regulation is a massive feat confirming that animal welfare indeed concerns millions of European citizens and that welfare triumphs over trading products obtained in a cruel and unsustainable manner. It's a classic example of why we need the EU and its institutions—to defend our values and reiterate the importance of people and wildlife thriving together. ifaw asks supporters to contribute to the public consultation organised by the European Commission (deadline August 7). How? Read my blog and check the explanatory document here: https://lnkd.in/eHCXPnK8 #seals #sealregulation

Tune into the newest podcast from our partners Ecoflix for a conversation with IFAW President and CEO Azzedine T. Downes! They discuss IFAW’s work in Zimbabwe, some heavy topics like trophy hunting, and why hope is critical in making planetary change. https://g.ifaw.org/3xVomoL

Jimmiel Mandima, PhD and I visited Baidu, Inc. with our ifaw China team just this March, and it was incredible to see first-hand the ways AI is helping to disrupt wildlife cybercrime and safeguard biodiversity. Thank you, Baidu!

🌏Together with IFAW @ifawglobal, we developed the "AI Guardian of Endangered Species" – the first-ever AI tool to fight online wildlife trafficking a few years ago. Elephants, tigers, and pangolins are just a few of the species that this tool is helping to protect. 🐘🐅🦔 Now, with version 2.0, the AI tool can identify wildlife products from 29 different species. Watch the video to see how we’re using AI to disrupt wildlife cybercrime and safeguard biodiversity. #BaiduAI #Baiducares

I'm pleased to share that I've been featured on the "Top 20 Visionary CEOs 2024" list by CEO Outlook Magazine! "Stay right in the moment. Don’t look too far into the past or the future. Stay right where you are and trade your anxiety for hope — replace inaction with relentlessness. Only when you abandon hope will you reach the point of no return. And that is a point I have no intention of ever reaching.” In the article, I delve into the must-have mindset for CEOs to build trust, lead with optimism and of course have a clear vision for the future. Read here on pages 18 - 19. https://lnkd.in/gYzgrw5y

A new report, “Meat on the menu and fins for exports: Latin America’s shark trade with Asia,” sheds light on the role of Latin America and Caribbean countries in the global shark trade. Based on analysis of customs data over 17 years, the report exposes the region as a key shark meat consumer and a consistent source of shark fin products. “Global demand for shark products has expanded at an unprecedented rate over the past few decades,” said Barbara Slee, senior program manager at IFAW. “By mapping trade flows, highlighting discrepancies, and increasing transparency of the global shark trade, we are able to support countries in halting their contribution to the extinction of shark species.” With shark populations already under threat from overfishing, habitat loss, climate change, and pollution, every individual matters to protecting the delicate ecosystem of our oceans. Read on for more on the findings from the report.

📣 UK residents: If you’re still undecided or unconvinced about voting in the general election tomorrow, consider this: your vote is the voice for our planet and its inhabitants who cannot speak for themselves. By casting your ballot for candidates who prioritise wildlife conservation and animal welfare, you’re advocating for the well-being of the world and all its creatures. Learn more:

🚨 BREAKING: 100+ dolphins saved from stranding IFAW’s marine mammal rescue teams, along with volunteers and partners, have been working 12–16-hour days every day since Friday to prevent some of the animals from coming back and more dolphins from being stranded in the area. This mass stranding of 125 dolphins marks the largest dolphin stranding in IFAW's history. The full story: Early on Friday, over 125 dolphins were stranded in mud flats off the coast of Cape Cod during low tide. The mass stranding occurred in the Herring River Gut which is an area with 11–13-foot tidal fluctuations, treacherous mud, and razor-sharp oysters that can easily cut through dolphins’ delicate skin. Conditions were especially difficult given the sheer number of animals, and how spread out they were. IFAW staff, partners, and 70 trained volunteers immediately leaped into action and worked late into the evening to help the stranded dolphins back into open waters. Over 100 dolphins were saved by the end of Friday, but because there is a high likelihood of dolphins re-stranding, our staff and volunteers have been in the field for several long, stressful days, continuing to herd dolphins away from the shallow waters, and rescuing dolphins when they do become stranded. We are continuously monitoring the situation. For more details:

You know vessel strikes are a major threat to whales, but you may be surprised to learn that ship size isn’t the real problem. It’s all about vessel speeds. 🐋⛴️🛥️🐋 40% of known whale strikes are from vessels 35 to 65 feet, who can reach high speeds and seriously injure both calves and adult whales. A speed rule amendment is under consideration, and we believe it could be a critical step forward to protect North Atlantic right whales from extinction. Click the link to help us continue to fight for slower speeds to save whales. https://g.ifaw.org/4eA5k7I