Story Behind the Mural
The global trade in shark’s fin for shark fin soup is a multi-billion dollar industry with black market ties that rival the arms and illegal drug trades. Unsustainable consumption habits have aided to the decline of 90% of the world’s shark populations. Consumer demand will decide the fate of many of the oceans iconic species including sharks. We must act now if we wish to save our seas.
Artist Statement
Our goal was to raise awareness about shark finning and how over 100 MILLION sharks are killed EVERY YEAR for shark fin soup, a delicacy in Chinese and Japanese culture. Sharks are caught, their fins are cut off, and they are thrown back into the water to drown so that we can eat soup. Though the subject matter is brutal, Cara and I didn't want to paint anything scary, so while swimming in the ocean, we decided to paint two people swimming around each other like sharks in a cosmic bowl of shark fin soup. - Celeste ByersThe Focus
Shark conservationTake Action
Help conserve shark populations by:
- Refraining from consuming shark fins and meat
- Purchasing cosmetic/health products that don't contain squalene (shark liver oil)
- Avoiding pet food that list 'white fish' as an ingredient as it likely is shark
- Supporting responsible shark tourism operations and experience the animals in their natural habitat