In China, a bowl of shark fin soup can sell for over $100 and it is used to show respect to a guest. Because of the high demand for this delicacy many shark populations have become decimated and many species have become endangered. For example, in the last 25 years the population of the hammer head shark in the west Atlantic ocean has decreased by 89%. This number is shocking and unacceptable to me. I think that the companies and fishermen who fin sharks should stop their highly destructive method of fishing and the sell of shark fins should be banned or highly limited. According to an article by the New York Times online, many new laws are being put into place to stop shark finning and help control shark population numbers. These actions include banning the sale of shark fins in Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and some parts of Canada. I see this as a huge step froward and a glimmer of hope for the decimated shark populations.
Even in countries with a high demand for shark fin soup people are taking action to save sharks, an essential part of the marine ecosystem and a beautiful and intelligent predator. In China, retired basketball super star Yao Ming has taken a stand against shark finning in campaigns and ads. The conservation group WildAid has also taken a stand to help end shark finning. Because of these recent efforts sales have been reduces in Singapore and Taiwan and the Chinese version of Ebay, called Ali Baba, will no longer allow for the sale of shark fins on their website. This is a great thing and it shows that shark finning can be reduced. The more people are informed about the problem and realize the consequences the more shark finning can be reduced.
Commercial made by WildAid and Yao Ming
However we still need more companies and organizations to push fir saving the sharks! Which can be a difficult task given their antagonistic image. In the article Marine ecologist John Bruno points out “These bans go part way, but you’re still allowed to fish sharks without a permit. In North Carolina, there are shark derbies for fun, where they are hung by their tails. We think it’s O.K. to do that with this ocean predator, but we wouldn’t dream of doing it to a terrestrial animal like a bear.” My hope is that people will learn to love and respect sharks and help stop the massive slaughter of sharks for soup.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/11/science/earth/11shark.html?_r=1
Dear Audrey,
ReplyDeleteI had only heard bits and pieces about the use of shark meat in food in foreign countries, but I'm glad to know how serious the issue is now. It's encouraging to know that large steps have already been taken towards helping end shark fining.
"For example, in the last 25 years the population of the hammer head shark in the west Atlantic ocean has decreased by 89%." This is an outrageous amount of unnecessary death. I'm horrified at how extreme the depletion of sharks is. I'm surprised that there hasn't been anything in the news about the effects it's bound to be having on the ecosystem.
" This is a great thing and it shows that shark finning can be reduced." This is possibly the most important statement in this post. It gives hope that this can be stopped and even proves to the public that it doesn't have to continue. Sometimes it's a lot easier to get on board on an issue when there's proof it can be done.
I'm really glad to be aware of this issue and there's a lot of facts here that really show I'm getting a good look at the issue. More people should definitely know about this. I will be returning to this blog.