Fireside Chat: Sharks & Aquatic Animal Activism

Join our virtual expert panel for an eye-opening discussion about the threats sharks face and why their protection matters so urgently. This powerful event will dispel harmful myths and emphasize how defending these magnificent animals is essential for their survival and protecting our oceans and all marine life. 

Understand Fishes

Read our blog on the secret minds & feelings of fishes.

See and download our fish brochures, The Planet’s Most Abused Animals Can’t Run or Scream, and Adopt Don’t Shop.

To learn more about Respect for Fish Day and the ways in which fish are abused, please see our campaign brochure.

Sign Our Alerts

Take action for sharks and all aquatic animals by signing our alerts. 

Write a Letter to the Editor

Writing letters to the editor is a quick and effective way to spread the word about animal cruelty issues. While it can be difficult to get letters published in large newspapers, local papers publish most of the letters they receive. We can review op-ed drafts you write and provide feedback.

Please see our Letter to the Editor and Op-Ed guide for examples and helpful tips. In Defense of Animals can also provide a customized letter which is ready to submit on request by emailing fish@idausa.org.

Social Media

There are a number of ways you can help ensure that Respect for Fish Day has a strong digital presence:

• On August 1, send out the tweets listed on our Tweetsheet.

• On August 1, post photos on social media with the #Respect4Fish hashtag. You can post photos of vegan fish alternatives, fish in their natural habitats, abuse directed at fish, etc.

Set up a Table

Set up a table in a busy location with pedestrian traffic. Good choices include train stations, parks, and town squares. You can hand out leaflets and display posters. Tabling is an effective way to reach large numbers of people and directly communicate our message face to face.

Organize a Protest or Demonstration

Hosting a demonstration is one of the most impactful ways to bring under-represented issues into the spotlight. Physical displays of protest give issues new legitimacy and highlight public opposition to unjust practices. Good protest targets include sportfishing supply stores, pet stores selling live fish, and laboratories that experiment on fish. We can assist you with media outreach, verifying that everything you do is legal, and selecting targets to ensure that your event runs smoothly.

Organize an Exhibition at Your Local Library

Exhibitions can be as simple as a few illustrated posters or more complex with dioramas, 3-D designs, etc. Most public libraries are open to hosting such exhibitions. Just contact them in advance and let them know about your ideas.

Vegan Fish Giveaways

Nowadays, plant-based versions of traditional fish meat are widely available. They taste just like fish and letting people try them is the best way to make them realize that they love them. You can set up a table at your local park and offer free samples.

Meet with Your Legislators

The most effective way that you can influence public policy is by lobbying your legislators through in-person meetings at their offices. To set up a meeting, simply call their office, let them know what your availability is and arrange a time.

Presentations

If you are a student, ask your teacher or professor if you can give your class a presentation on fish welfare issues. Presentations can alter people’s worldviews and inspire them to change their lifestyles positively. Your presentation could broadly cover fish sentience and the various issues affecting fish, or they can more narrowly focus on specific topics, like angling or the pet trade. We can review your presentation and provide feedback.