Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
To amplify Respect for Fish Day, we're focusing on the urgency of shark advocacy. Our three expert panelists bring dynamic backgrounds in activism and media. They debunk misconceptions and myths about sharks to help the world understand why these magnificent animals matter, why they are so imperiled, and why they must be protected.
Our speakers are Skyler Thomas, educator and director of the feature films Monsters, Great White Lies, and The Shame of Point Reyes; Joey Szalkiewicz, wildlife filmmaker and founder of Filament Media; and Spencer Roberts, marine ecologist and director of Fish Defender, an organization dedicated to advancing marine protection.
In Defense of Animals established Respect for Fish Day in 2019 to bring fish into the spotlight of animal advocacy.
Discover Respect for Fish Day resources and events:
idausa.org/campaign/farmed-animal/fish/respect-for-fish-day
Globally, trillions of fish are caught, farmed, and killed, whether intentionally or as bycatch, every year. Yet despite the growing body of research concluding that fish are sentient, they continue to receive very little protection. Studies show that aquatic animals possess complex intelligence and rich emotional lives. They feel pain, play, build social relationships, solve problems, and some species even use tools.
Take action to protect sharks and all aquatic animals:
idausa.org/campaign/farmed-animal/fish/take-action
Speaker Contacts
Skyler Thomas: sharkpurpose.com
Joey Szalkiewicz: filament-media.com
Spencer Roberts: fishdefender.org
Support our work to promote veganism and advocate for all animals:
idausa.org/campaign/farmed-animal/vegan-wake-up-call
To amplify Respect for Fish Day, we're focusing on the urgency of shark advocacy. Our three expert panelists bring dynamic backgrounds in activism and media. They debunk misconceptions and myths about sharks to help the world understand why these magnificent animals matter, why they are so imperiled, and why they must be protected.
Our speakers are Skyler Thomas, educator and director of the feature films Monsters, Great White Lies, and The Shame of Point Reyes; Joey Szalkiewicz, wildlife filmmaker and founder of Filament Media; and Spencer Roberts, marine ecologist and director of Fish Defender, an organization dedicated to advancing marine protection.
In Defense of Animals established Respect for Fish Day in 2019 to bring fish into the spotlight of animal advocacy.
Discover Respect for Fish Day resources and events:
idausa.org/campaign/farmed-animal/fish/respect-for-fish-day
Globally, trillions of fish are caught, farmed, and killed, whether intentionally or as bycatch, every year. Yet despite the growing body of research concluding that fish are sentient, they continue to receive very little protection. Studies show that aquatic animals possess complex intelligence and rich emotional lives. They feel pain, play, build social relationships, solve problems, and some species even use tools.
Take action to protect sharks and all aquatic animals:
idausa.org/campaign/farmed-animal/fish/take-action
Speaker Contacts
Skyler Thomas: sharkpurpose.com
Joey Szalkiewicz: filament-media.com
Spencer Roberts: fishdefender.org
Support our work to promote veganism and advocate for all animals:
idausa.org/campaign/farmed-animal/vegan-wake-up-call
