Consumers are a powerful bunch. Put simply, if we as consumers don't buy something, then shops, supermarkets & restaurants will stop selling it. As a consumer, you can be careful to buy products that you know to be ethical.
If you see a restaurant or shop selling shark-fin, or other endangered marine life - or your supermarket is selling a product that you believe to be inappropriate, then make sure to complain to the management.
You can also influence and educate friends and other consumers to think about their choices and power as a consumer too.
Governments are there to represent the people. Sometimes, they don't do a fantastic job, but unless we pressure them into action and let them know which issues are important to us, then little is likely to happen. Likewise, other major organisations and decision-makers often react only to pressure, especially when they can't see the scope of the problem.
There are many pressure groups & marine conservation organisations than you can join, which you can find out about in our directory. You can support these financially, but also get involve and take action to spread the word and change attitudes.
There are many NGOs & voluntary organisations focused on marine conservation working in south-east Asia and they all could do with a helping hand. So if you have some spare time, or want to spend your holiday or gap year really making a difference, why not consider really getting involved and volunteering your time for one of these fantastic organisations. As well as making a difference, you could find it to be one of the most worthwhile things you ever do.
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