Ocean Education, Sharks and Dolphins

For most people dolphins invoke feelings of amazement, respect, and a love for these animals that are considered one of the most intelligent animals on Earth. Throughout history there are stories of dolphins saving humans. In Ancient Greece dolphins were so highly regarded that harming one was punishable by death. Even today one would think this respect would still be present with mankind and it's evolution. Unfortunately there is a society who has regressed in their evolution with their complete disregard for the ocean and its animals. My first introduction to the Japanese culture and their complete lack of respect for the ocean that the entire world shares was in the documentary "Sharkwater". Produced by the young marine biologist and filmmaker Rob Stewart, Sharkwater unveils the cause to declining shark population around the world, the Japanese big money industry of shark fin soup. Fueled by a multimillion dollar industry, sharks are being slaughtered strictly for their fins, the remaining fin less, still alive carcass is discarded with no regard for the life being taken. It is a truly moving film that sheds a positive light on sharks and their role in the ocean environment, and ultimately on the quality of our existence. If you have any negative views about sharks whether from the fear provoked by films such as Jaws, or from the media's take on sharks as "man eaters", I urge you to educate yourself on the facts and see Sharkwater.
Hearing this you might think, "OK, so their killing millions of sharks for their fins, surely their not killing dolphins as well . . . . right?!" Wrong! The Japanese are raping the oceans which suggests a microcosm of a larger picture, man's disregard for life. This might be tough for some people to handle, but education is the tool for progressive positive evolution. So don't turn a blind eye, study the facts, research what is happening to our oceans, knowledge is POWER! A powerful team of dedicated scientist, marine biologist, filmmakers, and professional divers have created the Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS). The Oceanic Preservation Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness and creating action to improve the condition of our oceans. Their first documentary film "The Cove" uncovers an annual dolphin massacre that takes place in a hidden cove in Taiji, Japan. The film examines the oceans and our hearts as the theme expands to explore the impact of coal-burning facilities and their connection to high levels of mercury in seafood, man's primary source of protein. The Cove is set to be released in the spring of 2009. Freediving enthusiast will enjoy OPS team members Kirk Krack and Mandy-Rea Cruickshank, two of the world best freedivers involvement with the film production. This is your chance to take an active part and all it takes is watching this, knowing what is happening, and spreading the energy that this must stop. As they say in the trailer, "If the world finds out what goes on here, we'll be shut down." Well we are the world, and each and everyone of us can make a difference. Educate yourself, educate others, spread the knowledge and spread the power. Energy flows where attention goes!

Visit the Oceanic Preservation Society at, http://www.opsociety.org/,
Watch The Cove movie trailer at the top of the page on the left or visit, http://thecovemovie.com/