Established in 1997, the Shark Trust promotes the study, management, and conservation of sharks, skates, and rays. Working through scientifically-supported campaigns, research, and education programs, the Trust strives to provide guidance, facilitate decisions, influence legislation, and raise public awareness of the plight of these animals on both national and international scales. Among its laudable goals are:

• The reduction of shark finning;
• Successful shark management in Europe;
• Developing effective skate and ray fisheries; and,
  
• Monitoring of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Considering that shark finning is a major global problem, we decided to help the Shark Trust do something about it. To that end, Divester and Wetpixel readers -- through their t-shirt purchases -- recently adopted Cut-Tail, a 16-foot-long male Great White. Returning every autumn to the Farallon Islands, the tip of Cut-Tail's caudal fin has been cut off, which gives him his name and makes him easy to identify. He is a curious and feisty shark and is often seen sticking his head out of the water. We'll let you know when it's your turn to feed him. Adopting Cut-Tail allows the Shark Trust to continue with its research and awareness campaigns.

If you want to get involved further in shark conservation, you can:

• Adopt a basking shark.
• Participate in the Trust's Whale Shark project.
• Participate in the Trust's Basking Shark project.
• Encourage commercial enterprises to take a stand against shark finning.
• Purchase a Divester/Wetpixel t-shirt so we can continue to support marine conservation efforts. We already donated $300 to the Coral Reef Alliance.