Sea Starr Animal Health, Inc.

 Corporate Philosophy regarding Fisheries

 We, at Sea Starr Animal Health, Inc., feel that the world’s oceans provide a tremendous resource of a variety of nutrients and substances.  The ecosystems of the oceans range from the bottom of the food chain (the tiny plankton) to the top of the food chain with the apex predators (e.g., sharks). 

Certain species of fish have been severely overfished.  Through proper fisheries management measures many of these species have recovered and are once again thriving.  Other species, unfortunately, are still trying to recover and remain in danger.  Worldwide fisheries management organizations are learning more about which measures work well and which management measures have been disasters.  

According to the Magnuson Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (MFCMA), US fisheries management agencies have to take into account various biological, social and economic issues when formulating fisheries management plans (FMP).

We applaud and support the management agencies in their endeavors to develop plans that help to preserve and rebuild stocks while balancing social and economic aspects of their plans.  Each fishery has a Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY).  We strongly support measures, particularly in the shark fishery, that allow fishermen to harvest at or below the MSY. 

Of the 350 species of sharks worldwide, some species are indeed endangered and need strong management measures to preserve the stocks.   However, there are many species of sharks that are plentiful with harvests being well below the MSY.  A managed species does not necessarily mean an endangered species.

Directed shark fishing is not the only factor that can contribute to the endangerment of some shark species.  Overfishing of other species of fish can also lead to the endangerment of sharks by creating a break or void in the food chain.

Sharks are highly migratory species (HMS) and, as such, roam through the management zones of many different countries and throughout the high seas.  There are countries that are not as diligent as the United States in formulating, implementing and enforcing fisheries laws and management measures.  

We abhor the practice allowed by some countries of “finning” sharks.  This despicable practice is conducted mainly by fishermen supplying the Asian shark fin industry.  Finning has been prohibited in the United States for many years.  Finning DOES NOT provide any raw product for the shark cartilage industry – the carcasses drop to the bottom of the ocean as food for other organisms. 

All of the shark cartilage used in Sea Pet products are by-products of shark meat production for human consumption and utilizes the cartilage that would otherwise be discarded.  No cartilage will be used from any endangered or prohibited species of sharks.

With proper and responsible management the oceans can and will continue to provide a vast renewable source of many beneficial products.

No shark cartilage from any endangered species of sharks is ever used in any Sea Pet product.