Reposted from @sharkallies As you know well by now, there are countless products that sharks are used for, including decoration like jaws or jewelry. But just because you want to wear a shark tooth necklace, doesn’t necessarily mean it is promoting the overfishing of sharks. How can you tell? Typically the color of the shark tooth is the giveaway, fossils have a dark or colorful pigment, whereas new teeth are white or ivory. Most sharks have 5 rows of teeth, and can have as many as 3,000 teeth at once, all while losing up to 100 per day. So if you’re a diver and find a white tooth on the ocean floor, that’s one story. If you’re in the souvenir store next the dive shop looking at a white tooth necklace, that’s a whole other story. Keep in mind that many summer town souvenir shops sell fresh shark teeth, be on the lookout! Talk to the owners, educate them on what they are promoting and help them change. A good rule of thumb is, when in doubt, avoid white teeth! There has been a recent trend of ceramic shark teeth, to give the look of a white tooth, but still look out for the sharks. And when in doubt here, ask the brand. The brands that are environmentally conscious will have no issue speaking with you about their sourcing. Because a shark fossil necklaces or candles aren’t technically “shark free,” we have come up with an additional “shark safe” seal for these shark-loving brands! Shark Allies is proud to have Maya Bleu as their very first Shark Safe brand. Together, we hope to raise awareness for shark products and the important roles sharks play on our planet, keeping a healthy ocean for all. This @SharkWeek we challenge YOU to buy responsibly: 1. Investigate the souvenir shops in your town, this will be easier if you are coastal. 2. Do they sell new shark teeth (white)? Ask to speak with the buyer or owner. 3. Supply them with our fact sheet (link in bio) and kindly ask them to stop carrying shark teeth souvenirs. 4. Contact shark allies with any questions! 5. Support brands like @mayableu_, @finmontauk, @shopfinatics, @shrkco and so many more that are doing good for sharks. #SharkWeek #Discovery #DiscoveryPlus #Sharks https://www.instagram.com/p/CRNBLIupKWT3fb4u7cAH5tDSHugyOXWB1uL1XE0/?utm_medium=tumblr
