Today is the day! Panama’s Proposal 37, and the future of sharks, is officially up for vote! This is a historic moment for our planet, and the culmination of years of hard work at the hands of scientists, conservationists, government officials, and a rising force of ocean allies. With the effective and sustainable management of sharks, we can finally start to turn the fate of our world’s fragile marine ecosystems around. For millions of years, life beneath the surface has remained resilient and flourishing against all odds, with apex predators like sharks overseeing entire ecosystems. The fact that we have managed to bring so many of our ocean’s delicate habitats to near-collapse within decades is incredibly disheartening. Overfishing and industries like the shark fin trade have slashed once-abundant species like the oceanic whitetip by as much as 70% in the last 50 years alone. Still, in the few areas where sharks have been protected, our team has witnessed coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and coastal forests teeming with life– proof that there is hope for our seas. Today we stand with Panama, along with our extraordinary partners and fellow ocean advocates, for sharks, for the planet, and for each other. Vote YES on Panama’s Proposal 37! 📷: @andy_mann @mitty @paulnicklen @migramarnet @fundacionmarviva @ifawglobal @thewcs @pelagioskakunja @soaperu @soa @max_bello @fundacionmalpelo @betadiversidad @miambientepma @fundacion_terram @mmeioambiente @siteoeco @instituto.ibracon @diversforsharks