Shark Savers, an organization dedicated to conservation of sharks, has launched a petition to harness growing international opposition against new proposals of the Queensland, Australia government to license shark fishing in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Shark populations around the world are plummeting due to relentless over fishing, primarily to satisfy demand for shark fin soup in Asia. Shark Savers believes a moratorium should be established on shark fishing, rather than create new fishing rights in delicate marine protected areas such as the Great Barrier Reef.

They intend to draw international attention to the proposal and generate a public outcry and motivate other government agencies within Australia to get involved.

Julie Andersen, the Director of Shark Savers, said, “We cannot afford to lose one of the world’s most treasured ecosystems and one of the key species that keeps it healthy.”