8/6/2019 Shark's Fin Soup in Gloria Maris

1/2

THE LAW OF NATURE FOUNDATION6-J Westgate Tower, Investment Dr., Madrigal Business Park,

Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines 1780(632) 403.7740

http://thelawofnature.ph

12 July 2011

Mr. Andrew Q. LimPresidentGloria Maris Head OfficeCCP Complex, Roxas BoulevardPasay, Metro Manila

Dear Mr. Lim :

My name is Anna Oposa, an advocate of the environment. My friend recently sent mepictures of shark slaughter occurring in northern Philippines. When asked where the sharkfins would be delivered, the fishermen said Gloria Maris in Metro Manila.

I went to Gloria Maris-Alabang yesterday and found out that your restaurant serves shark sfin soup at over PhP1,000 per bowl. Studies show that sharks, as the apex of the marineecosystem, have among the highest levels of toxic mercury found in fish. Organizations allover the world, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the WorldHealth Organization, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations,recognize mercury to be a dangerous neurotoxin that can cause male sterility and extensivedamage to the nervous system and fetuses. These organizations warn against eating sharkmeat, especially pregnant women, women who plan to become pregnant, and children.

In addition to its potential health hazards, the high consumption of shark s fin soup hasalarming implications to the environment. The 2006 Red List of shark species published bythe World Conservation Union listed 110 species of sharks and rays that are either criticallyendangered, endangered, or vulnerable, while a further 96 are facing some level ofthreat. Sharks grow slowly, mature late, and do not reproduce often, which means that sharkpopulations are particularly vulnerable to overfishing and recover slowly, if at all.Approximately 70-100 million sharks are killed annually to meet the demand of theinternational shark trade, which increases by more than 5% a year. Limited regulations existto control this trade. As the top predators of the sea, sharks play an important role in

regulating all the species in the marine ecosystem. The loss of sharks can cause the entiremarine ecosystem and biodiversity to collapse.

8/6/2019 Shark's Fin Soup in Gloria Maris

2/2

2

I am aware that shark s fin soup is a traditional delicacy in some Asian cultures. However,the growth of this market is unsustainable and contributes to the decline of shark populationsglobally. I fervently urge you to consider removing shark s fin soup from your menu, andinforming your customers of your commitment to shark conservation. Public awareness isessential in this pursuit. Furthermore, the Sharks And Rays Conservation Act of 2010, orHouse Bill No. 174, has been filed in Congress. Senate Bill No. 2616 entitled BANNING THECATCHING, SALE, PURCHASE, IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION OF ALL SHARKSAND RAYS has been filed as well. When these are passed, any person or corporation whoengages in the sale, purchase, and possession of sharks and their by-products will besubject to 4-12 years imprisonment and/or a fine of fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) to fivehundred thousand pesos (P500,000). I have attached a copy of the bills for your reference.

Gloria Maris was recognized as the Best Chinese Restaurant in the 2008 Gold Spot Awards.If you will be bold enough to lead in marine conservation by simply removing shark s fin soupfrom your menu, other restaurants will be inspired to follow. If the buying stops, the killingcan too.

Thank you in anticipation of your kind and expeditious action on the matter. I look forward toyour reply as I trust that this letter finds you all in good health and spirits.

Sincerely,

Anna R. OposaDirector for Environmental Law Compliance and Enforcementannaoposa@gmail.com +63917-851-0209

Copy furnished:

Print and Electronic Media OutletsAtty. Asis Perez , Director

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic ResourcesHon. Proceso Alcala , Secretary

Department of AgricultureSenator Juan Miguel Zubiri, Chair

Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Hon. Mundita Lim , Director

Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau

Hon. Ramon Paje , SecretaryDepartment of Environment and Natural ResourcesMr. Lory Tan , President and CEO

World Wildlife Fund-Philippines Mr. Romy Trono , Executive Director

Conservation InternationalMr. AA Yaptinchay , Director

Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines