The "Fin" of Sharks

Sharks all around the world are hunted for their teeth, bones and most importantly, their fins. Shark finning is the inhumane practice of sawing off a shark’s fins and throwing its still living body back into the sea. Every year tens of millions of sharks die a slow and painful death because of this torture. Since the 1970s, the populations of several shark species have been decimated by over 95%. Sixty-five countries have already banned shark finning. But sadly, China, the largest consumer of shark fin soup, is not on that list.

Shark fin soup is of Chinese origin made with shark fin and flavored with chicken or other stock. The fin itself has very little flavor and it is used primarily to add texture to the dish. Because it is considered a Chinese delicacy, it is often served to guests at important events such as weddings and business banquets. Even though shark fin soup may cost up to $100 a bowl, this exuberant cost just minimally decreased the amount of sharks being slaughtered each day.

In ancient Chinese medical books, eating shark fins aids in areas of rejuvenation, appetite enhancement, and blood nourishment. It is beneficial to vital energy, kidneys, lungs, bones and many other parts of the body. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. Even if these health benefits are proven legitimate, it does not justify killing an endangered living being in order to make you healthier.

The consequences of decreased shark populations are immense. Because large shark species are apex predators, they help stabilize the ecosystem by maintaining a balanced food chain. For example, along the US East Coast, large sharks have been virtually eliminated. Therefore, their preys, such as the rays, have increased. The escalated population of rays consumed the shellfish at an unsustainable rate. Shellfish filter ocean water. Because of the dwindling shellfish population, the water quality deteriorated. Ultimately, ocean life will suffer. This leads to global food chain disruption. If you remove apex predators from the ecosystem, it’s similar to removing the supports of a building. Total collapse.

 

There are many ways to decrease the amount of sharks being butchered each day. First of all, DON’T EAT SHARK FIN SOUP. If you are craving it, you should eat imitation shark fin instead. It tastes really similar to the real one. Secondly, get involved with organizations fighting to save marine wildlife such as Sea Shepard, the Human Society International and Wild Aid. They all need plenty of support. You can donate money, volunteer or simply get the word out. Tell your friends about shark endangerment. Then your friends can tell their friends.

Sharks have been around for about 400 million years, much longer than humans. Sharks only kill about ten humans per year. We kill approximately 11,400 sharks per hour. Killing sharks just for their fins is inhumane and leads the disruption in the ecosystem. Will we cause the sharks’ extinction just because of our unjustifiable appetite?

Citations:

"Help Stop Shark Finning : Humane Society International." RSS. Web. 27 May 2014.

"Shark Finning - Sea Shepherd Conservation Society." Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Web. 26 May 2014.

 

"Stop Shark Finning." Stop Shark Finning. Web. 27 May 2014.