The IUCN/SSC Shark Specialist Group
Shark News 9: June 1997
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Australian Shark Conservation Foundation Established
The ASCF is a non-profit sponsorship organisation dedicated to the
conservation of all Australian elasmobranch species and ecosystems.
It was founded to inspire positive action and encourage member
involvement and participation in shark conservation issues, and its
primary objective is to increase awareness, understanding and
protection of elasmobranch species and their environment.
Priorities are to address the poor image of sharks (hence the lack
of enthusiasm for their conservation) and to highlight their importance
as a critical element of the ocean's food chain, on which depends
much of the health of the oceans. The Foundation will seek to become
a 'reference point' for the media, particularly in the case of shark
attacks when a rational side of the debate is needed to deliver facts,
not fiction. Education of the public is of primary importance.
The ASCF is seeking supporters for the Foundation and its education
and research programs. Standard Membership is $25 ($20 for students)
a year. Members receive a quarterly newsletter, The Fin Review, and
an official Supporter card. Sponsors are also needed for its active
research programme, presently targeting grey nurse sharks in New
South Wales and great white sharks in South Australia.
To join or to obtain more information, contact the ASCF at PO Box
72, FORESTVILLE, NSW 2087, Australia. Tel: (+61) (0)2 9975 1044.
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