This is a promo from the award winning documentary Sharks in Deep Trouble by filmmaker and shark conservationist Lesley Rochat, also known as the Shark Warrior, which was originally broadcast in South Africa. Lesley goes out on a limb, single-handedly, to investigate both legal shark longlining and illegal shark finning off the coast of South Africa. Armed only with her camera and the passion to make a difference, she boarded a shark longline vessel and captured disturbing, high quality footage of mass shark slaughter. In good journalistic style she uncovers that the threat to shark populations in South Africa lies with the local governments inadequate management and compliance of this resource. Though South Africa is a small contributor to the world slaughter of over 100 million sharks each year, Sharks in Deep Trouble is indicative of the global plight of sharks. General inertia of governments worldwide in taking responsibility for their natural resources is driving many fish species, including many shark species to extinction.
Sharks in Deep Trouble Awards:
1. Conservation Message Award: Montana Cine International Film Festival 2008
2. Honorary Conservation Message Award: 32 International Wildlife Film Festival 2009
3. Honorary Investigative Journalism Award: 32 International Wildlife Film Festival 2009
4. Outstanding Achievement Award: Celebrate the Sea Festival 2009
5. Conservation Message Award: Celebrate the Sea Festival 2009
6. Best Information Film Award, Film Category A: 36th World Festival of Underwater Pictures 2009
7. Best of Festival Award, Beneath the Waves Film Festival: 39th Benthic Ecology Meeting 2010
Director, Producer, Camera, Editor, Research, Script and Narration: Lesley Rochat. A Blue Pluse Pictures and SABC 2 Co-production.
Lesley is asking for support for a petition AfriOceans Conservatoin Alliance, a non profit organisation she founded, is running, which aims for improved protection for a number of shark species.
PETITION FOR PROTECTION OF SOUTH AFRICA'S SHARKS
Sharks remain a low conservation priority and many species are being driven to extension due to overfishing. South Africa is no exception: Of the over 200 different species of sharks found in South African waters, only White Sharks, Whale Sharks and Basking Sharks are fully protected. All other species may be legally caught and killed.
Make a donation to support AfriOceans efforts: https://www.givengain.com/cgi-bin/gig...
Please support the Petition and add your signature, each one counts. To find out more about the petition and to sign go to:http://www.aoca.org.za/pages/2207/pet...
To find out more about Lesley's work including her Panda Award winning Rethink the shark campaign go to http://www.lesleyrochat.com
