Beginning in October, the Shark-Free Marina Initiative will embark on it’s largest membership campaign throughout the United States and the Bahamas in order to save sharks.

Sharks are disappearing from our oceans at an alarming rate. Therefore, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, The Humane Society of the United States, and various other organizations have teamed up with the Shark-Free Marina Initiative (SFMI) for a singular, historic purpose: to reduce worldwide shark mortality. SFMI certifies sport fishing and resort marinas as ‘Shark-Free’ thereby prohibiting any shark from being landed at their dock.

“SFMI works directly with the recreational and commercial fishing community to send a clear message,” says Luke Tipple, Managing Director and SFMI founder. “As shark populations are decimated on a global scale we as a species are obligated to pay attention and reduce our wasteful destruction of these incredibly important animals.”

Some very important and influential celebrity spokespeople are also teaming up with SFMI. Fashion photographer and America’s Next Top Model judge Nigel Barker feels strongly that we all have to speak out for sharks. “There are many good fishermen out there who respect the oceans and know that in order to preserve their way of life for future generations we all need to be more aware of our actions and the results they may cause.”

Slash, legendary guitarist and founding member of Guns & Roses and Velvet Revolver adds, “It is important to me as a father and concerned human being, that we do all we can to address the wasteful destruction of these amazing and important animals. We must ensure that sharks are around for future generations.”

Other stars to support the initiative include Alec Baldwin, Elizabeth Berkley and Bill Maher. To read what they have to say, click here.

Shark-Free Marinas has a message that is being heard worldwide. Tipple summarizes “Shark overfishing is a serious problem which threatens the very health of our oceans. It’s time to take a stand and set an example of sensible conservation that can be globally respected and repeated. There is a solution, and it starts at our marinas.”