For over a thousand years, Chinese culture has seen shark fin soup as a status symbol. For many, it is considered a sign of prosperity and is a common sight at Chinese weddings, where it is said to symbolize health and good fortune to the bride and groom. However, the shark fin industry that is driven by this soup is pushing many shark species to the brink of extinction and is a source of condemnation due to the barbaric methods that are used.
With over 70 million sharks killed every year for their fins, shark fin consumption is not sustainable in any way, and it is only a matter of time before the industry collapses. However, there will be far greater global effects than the loss of an industry if shark numbers are allowed to fall, which can only be averted if those involved within shark finning understand the consequences of their action. This article looks at some of the arguments given by those working within shark finning as to why they continue their practice and aims to show how many misconceptions still exist within the industry.
Eat them before they eat you
Sharks are perhaps the most misunderstood of all creatures alive today. There is a misconception that sharks are dangerous to humans and eradication is necessary to protect us. However, this is simply not true. There are only a handful of shark species that have ever attacked humans, and of these only three have been involved in a double-figure number of attacks since recording began. Furthermore, of these three only one, the Bull shark, has any use in shark fin soup, and even that is uncommon. This evidence shows that there is no basis behind the suggestion that shark finning somehow protects people from a shark attack.
Restricting finning is bad for business
While many argue that the logical result of banning finning is a decline in the finning industry, the opposite is closer to the truth. In the short term, it is evident that a reduction in shark finning will negatively impact the shark fin business. However, as the current practice is unsustainable, shark stocks will dwindle within a matter of decades, and the shark fin industry will follow. In fact, the only way the industry can survive is through the introduction of sustainable fishing practices and tighter regulations.
It’s good for you
Many people claim that shark fin soup has exceptional health benefits, with a suggestion it increases virility and extends life. However, there is no evidence to support these claims, and, in fact, it could be detrimental to health. Shark fin is made of cartilage, which has no nutritional value to humans. But more worryingly, as with most shark products, it has incredibly high levels of mercury. Testing has shown that even a single bowl of soup contains more than the recommended consumption of mercury, sometimes considerably more depending on the fin used.
It’s a part of the culture
Some suggest that preventing people from consuming shark fin soup is a slight against Chinese culture. In fact, in principle, few conservationists have a problem with the idea of the dish being available if done in a sustainable, and humane manner. However, as things stand, the unsustainable nature of the finning industry means that before long the soup will become unavailable through over-fishing anyway. So the only way the culture can be preserved is if fishing practices are heavily regulated, which can only happen through a massive reduction in shark fin consumption.
Why does it matter what happens in the oceans?
Finally, many people say that, as we are land-based animals, it doesn’t matter what happens to our oceans. Shark consumption will continue until it is gone, and then people will move on to something else. However, this significantly underestimates the role sharks play in the oceans. Many shark species are what is known as “keystone” species, meaning that their removal from the ecosystem will cause irretrievable change.
This has already occurred in some places, as sharks caught for shark fin soup come from all over the world. The over-fishing of reef sharks in some areas of Australia has resulted in the demise of the reef, leading to an overgrowth of algae. The result of this is the disappearance of many other species in the ecosystem, and also the industries that rely on them. A further example is from Carolina, where over-fishing of sharks caused a cascade effect that virtually wiped out the bay scallops, causing many businesses to fold, and a massive shift in the local ecosystem. These examples show that removing sharks from our oceans will affect much more than just the sharks themselves.
To save the sharks, and even to save the shark fin industry, change has to come, and it has to come quickly. The only way this can realistically happen is through education. Educating the people that still consume shark fin soup, and educating those within the industry about the danger of the practice, not only to the shark populations but also to their businesses. Any industry built on an unsustainable practice is doomed to fail, and the only way this can be avoided is if the people involved, and the public who are still willing to pay a premium for shark fin soup, understand the consequences of their actions.
If you wish to help with changing our fishing industry and ensure sustainable aquaculture, please share this article and spread the message. Together, we can promote innovative bio-restoration!
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