Shark Finning: All for a Bowl of Soup

By making available an enticing substitute for shark fin soup, the need for shark finning may become obsolete

Tag Words: Shark Finning, Shark Fin Soup

Authors: Samantha Albrecht, Shawn Murphy, Amanda Stupak, Renee Theroux, & Jangkyu Leewith Julie M. Fagan, Ph.D.

Summary

Due to increase of shark fin soup consumption in the Chinese culture, a large number of sharks are being killed by a form of illegal fishing called ‘shark finning’. Shark finning has been an issue since the late 1990s. As a result, many species of sharks are on the brink of extinction. An unbalanced food chain forces underwater ecosystems into extreme crisis. When any one species becomes extinct, the final impact is on humans. That is why most countries try to protect sharks by banning shark finning. The global response on shark finning and efforts on making the global standard to prevent extinction of sharks are becoming more serious. Unfortunately, shark finning fishers are encouraged to continue because the value of shark fins is elevated. Less the shark population, higher the price it is. One pound of died shark fin is worth almost $300. To prevent sharks being killed, we need to replace the shark fin soup in Chinese weddings and other special occasions, with something that is worth enough to symbolize wealth like an expensive shark fin.

Video Link

Shark Finning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0ulN7N52qIThe Issue: Shark Finning

What is Shark FinningShark finning refers to a cruel and wasteful form of fishing in which sharks’ fins are harvested. Sharks are caught by the hundreds, pulled onto the boat and their fins are cut off one by one, usually while the animal is still alive. Once fishermen have harvested all the fins they can from the individual shark, their finless bodies are kicked back into the ocean. Unable to swim, these animals sink to the bottom of the ocean where they remain motionless until death. Finned sharks may die from hemorrhage, starvation, or predation by surrounding sea life.

Why fin sharks? Shark Fin SoupThe primary motivation for finning sharks is to produce shark fin soup. This dish, considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, has been prized for its texture and flavor. However, the shark fin is only responsible for the texture of the soup and itself is flavorless [17]. This soup’s flavor is derived from the chicken, pork, or vegetable stock that’s added to it [17]. In addition, this soup has also been accused of having many health benefits such as preventing cancer and combating aging. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims [18]. In fact, shark fins are very high in mercury which makes it a health risk rather than benefit. It has been advised that pregnant women and small children avoid this dish for that very reason. Shark fin soup’s mercury content has also been known to cause sterility in men [16]. Shark Fin Soup’s Place in the Chinese CultureShowing off wealth, power, and popularity are very delicate issues in the Chinese culture. These became a form of providing expensive food to the guests. It is an implied rule between host and guest in Chinese culture. Wealthy people must provide wealthy food to their guests. Even though host does not have enough wealth on his/her hand, Chinese people serve wealthy food to their guest during important meetings and weddings. That is why this expensive shark’s fin soup is very important method to show off a formal politeness.

How are they caught?The main method of catching

sharks for finning is through a form of fishing referred to as long-lining. A long line is cast over the span of 1-62 miles with fishing lines that plunge approximately 16 feet beneath the ocean’s surface [7]. Depending on the length of the line, there may be hundreds or thousands of hooked lines attached to the surface line. For fisherman to determine of location of hooked lines, buoys are placed on the surface. The hooks are baited with any meat that’s handy. This may include, but is not limited to fish, squid, and even dolphin meat [7].

After casting the line, fisherman may wait 12-24 hours before harvesting what’s been caught. During this time, animals are bound to this small stretch of ocean, frequently entangled in the line attached to the hook.

When it comes time to harvest catch, animals are dragged onto the boat by the line. If sharks are pulled onto the boat, they are finned and thrown back into the ocean, frequently still alive. Unfortunately, long-lining is anindiscriminant form of fishing that also entangles unwanted species, called bycatch. Bycatch may be fish, marine mammals, sea turtles and even birds. While the general practice is to throw bycatch back into the ocean, many of these animals are unable to survive long enough to be re-released [8].

Hammerhead shark caught by long line Nurse Shark caught by long line

Sharks & and the EcosystemSharks play a vital role in the ocean’s ecosystems. Because there are so many different species, they range from filter feeders eating plankton to apex predators eating a variety of other marine animals. The diversity within this group of animals means that many different consequences will result as their numbers are depleted. For example, the United States has noted a marked decrease in the shellfish population. Research has shown that this is being caused by an increase in the stingray and jellyfish population which are commonly controlled by sharks. With the shark population dwindling, however, stingrays and jellyfish numbers are booming past sustainability. Beyond the inconvenience to humans, depleted shellfish populations will have detrimental effects on the ocean’s water quality. Shellfish are responsible for filtering water from our oceans and maintaining a healthy living environment for other sea creatures [1]. Without them, all other species could be in danger.

Damaged ecosystems are also leading to economic hardships. In Tasmania, a spiny lobster fishery collapsed as the octopus population soared. In this area, sharks would normally keep the octopus population at manageable numbers. With their demise, however, the octopuses are consuming more than their fair share of lobster.

Albatross caught in long-line

In addition to predation, many species of sharks are also responsible for keeping our oceans clean and healthy. Sharks most commonly prey upon the sick, dying, or dead. They consume the carcasses of everything from small fish to giant whales. Sharks also promote healthy schools of fish by feeding on the weaker individuals.

About Sharks: Why they’re vulnerable to over-fishingSharks have been a part of this planet for the past 400 million years. As it is known now, there are approximately 400 different species of shark all varying in size, purpose and life style [4]. Each different species has a different mode of reproduction; some lay eggs, some have live births. With all this diversity, however, many shark species have a couple things in common. Firstly, they tend to produce few young at a given time. Even those that lay eggs only lay a few that may take as long as 6-8 months to hatch compared to some fish that lay eggs in the hundreds. In addition, those that have live births also tend to have long gestation periods averaging between 9-12 months and do not reproduce annually. Frequently, females will take a break from reproduction for 1-2 years between pregnancies. Finally, sharks are very slow-growing animals that reach sexual maturity only after several years of life. A rough average for sexual maturity is between 15-20 years depending on the species [10].

Species that have been effected:Spiny dogfish Shark

The spiny dogfish shark is a small species that ranges continental shelf. They are a small species approximately 2 feet in length when fully mature. Their diet includes a variety of fish, jellyfish, squid, etc. While males reach maturity around 6 years of age, females’ sexual maturity is achieved at age 12. This species has a gestation period of 2 years delivering live litters of 1-20 pups per pregnancy.

They are currently listed in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [10].

Great white sharkThe Great White shark is the largest predatory fish in the world. Its diet includes a variety of marine mammals, fish, and birds as well as carcasses. They have live births producing litters of 4-14 pups and take between 10-12 years to reach sexual maturity. Throughout their lifetime, they will usually produce 4-6 litters. Their life expectancy is not well known, however, the oldest recorded great white was 36 [10].

This well known species was listed on CITIES appendix II in 2004 and ICUN Red List as vulnerable. Its primary predator is humans with an occasional threat from orcas and larger sharks[10].

Whale SharkThe whale shark is the largest fish in the world. Its diet primarily includes plankton and fish eggs while accidentally ingesting some fish. This gentle giant is an open-ocean species. This means even if it is protected in some areas from shark finning, it may easily enter areas where no protection is rendered [10]. Unfortunately, little is known about this species. Their sexual maturity is estimated at 30 years of age[14].

In the recent past, the whale shark was a common sighting in a reef off the coast of Australia. They even had tourist attractions set up for them! However, their decrease in numbers has led not only to fewer sightings, but also smaller whale sharks. More recent reports have suggested these sharks have shrunk by 7-5 meters in length [15]! The most widely accepted explanation for this strange observation is that the individuals they’re seeing now are younger and less developed. With an estimated 40% decrease in population over the past 10 years, they are listed in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [10].

Laws, Regulations and Activist GroupsHow Shark Finning is Being Stopped:Laws and regulations are established independently by each country with a coastline. Some are more lenient than others. A common regulation made by many countries is to put a limit to the amount of fins allowed to be brought in by each fishing boat, by requiring a 5 percent fin to body ratio of the days catch. The body is the “dressed” body, meaning after the head and guts are removed. Therefore, the body weight becomes almost insignificant and still allows 2 sharks to be finned for every 3 caught. Though this does not seem like a law that would make much of a difference, it does create less room on the fishing boats to bring in as many fins as would be desired. (1)

Though this seems to be a step towards deterring fisherman from continuing the shark finning, not all countries actually require that the fin be attached to the bodies when brought on land. Furthermore, many countries may have laws and regulations for shark finning, yet they are rarely enforced. The United Nations Convention on the Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) lists the whale shark, basking shark, and great white shark as species that could become threatened if trade is not controlled. (1)

Though laws and regulations have been made that seem to help stop this issue, some have been made to continue it. A news article titled “It’s Time to Strengthen the Shark Finning Ban” on worldfishing.net posted September 22, 2010 states that there are permits that EU member states can acquire in order to process sharks on board, thereby by-passing EU agreements to bring full sharks on land first. (4)

CITES is an international agreement between countries to save commonly hunted and traded species, from extinction. It must work through international cooperation where countries join voluntarily and then agree to abide by CITES agreements by making their own domestic laws. To date, 175 partners have agreed to be legally bound by CITES. (2)

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization was the first to attempt to ban shark finning in 1999 when they “produced an International Plan of Action for sharks”. They recommended that sharks be utilized completely and not just killed for their fins. This would result in less sharks being sent to the bottom of the ocean to be helplessly consumed alive by other animals. HSUS.org, a website containing this information, also has a pdf containing the national laws, multi-lateral agreements, as well as regional and global recommendations on shark finning updated as of April 8th 2010, including dates that they were enacted. The following is a list taken from the

website that was last updated in April of 2010 stating the current regulations against shark finning throughout the world:(1)

Countries/Regions with Shark Finning Regulations

What we can do individually to help:Currently there is a written declaration being sent by members of the EU parliaments from different countries that are coming together to ask the EU Commission to deliver a proposal to completely inhibit the removal of shark fins. (3) Projectaware.org has a list of ways that people can aid the passing of this declaration that includes sending them a personal letter or pictures of your “European Shark Week” enthusiasm. This will hopefully pressured the Commission that shark finning is an important issue to consider seriously ending. (4)By joining activist groups or going on their sites from time to time to see what they need help with is a great way to help as well. Most activist sites have useful information regarding recent progress and information on the issue. Projectaware.org website lists the following ten ways to help stop shark finning (5):

1.Support international shark fisheries’ management and conservation efforts.2.Contact your local government representative. Demand that shark management and conservation efforts become a priority.3.Support organizations, like Project AWARE, which are engaged in ocean conservation efforts.4.Educate recreational fishers who target sharks.5.Learn about marine life, its problems and solutions.6.Make informed decisions when purchasing products that may contain shark substances, as many shark species are overfished.7.Support educational television programs and films about sharks.8.Write to travel operators and urge them to introduce shark conservation issues into fishing trips to highlight the need for controls on shark fishing.9.Pass on your underwater experiences with sharks as a scuba diver.10. Tell your friends. Spread the word about shark conservation efforts and how humans need to come together to help preserve this precious resource.

Some activist groups that one can join or contact to help the cause are: (6)

American Samoa, Argentina, Australia (most States & Territories), Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador European Union, India, Mexico, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Seychelles (foreign vessels only), South Africa (in national waters only), Spain, USA De facto finning banon account of banningall shark fishing: Congo-Brazzaville, French Polynesia, Israel, Maldives, PalauThese countries require shark fins to be partially or fully attached to the shark carcass in some or�all of their fisheries:�Panama, Brazil, El Salvador, Colombia, Costa Rica, United Kingdom

Shark Safe Network- helps those committed to the cause participate in campaigns or make their own campaign in their neighborhood. Go to sharksafenetwork.com

Shark Trust: Study’s, protects and manages shark species and works with the European Elasmobranch Association to counter shark finning. Go to sharktrust.org

Sea Shepherd: Actively works to prevent shark finning by going on the front lines and confronting shark finning boats in the ocean, organizing rallies and bringing the cause to attention to governments all over the world that otherwise stay out of the issue. Go to seashepherd.org

White Shark Trust- Works to establish a fund in the Republic of South Africa in order to manage and save the Great White shark species. Go to whitesharktrust.org

Shark Alliance- non-profit, non-governmental organization working to preserve shark species by closing loop-holes within the regulations already made, as well as ensure humane and proper shark fishing limits to preserve the shark population. Go to sharkalliance.org

CostsShark finning is an inhumane act of

animal cruelty. Furthermore, what makes this more sickening is that people make moneyfrom the killing of theses innocent animals. Shark fins are primarily used for shark fin soup; however, profits are also maximized from cosmetics and various supplements.

Shark finning is a multibillion dollar industry. One pound of died shark fin is worth almost $300 or more sometimes! The

finning of sharks takes place at sea so fishermen do not have to ship the shark carcasses all over. This ultimately cuts back on some expenses which also help maximize profits. With China’s growing economy, the demand for shark fin soup has increased. Thus, a bowl of shark fin soup in China is currently going for about $100.

If the Asian cultures decide to completely eliminate shark fin soup from their menus, there are many alternatives. Some examples include seafood soup, lobster soup, or even birds nest soup which is currently being used as an alternative and being sold for nearly the same amount so the symbolization of “wealth” is not lost.

Global responseFrom the 1990s, the United Nations made a lot of progress on helping endangered species. Nowadays, the United Nations is starting much further progress than not just protecting endangered species, but controlling fisheries to prevent species becoming endangered. The shark finning is the one of its main issues. By looking into this issue, some countries had a significant progress of regulations. For example, the honorable Johnson Toribiong, the president of the

Republic of Palau, had declared that Palau as the world’s first national shark sanctuary. Especially, the United States stance against shark finning is very strong and clear. Apr 13, 2000 Department of Commerce testimony clearly shows the United States this stance for shark finning.

“We welcome the support of Congress for the efforts by NOAA and the Western Pacific Council to conserve sharks in the Central and Western Pacific waters of the U.S. by putting in place management measures that will prohibit shark finning. The Administration looks forward to consulting closely with the Congress to resolve the global aspects of shark finning. We fully appreciate the strong interest expressed by Congress concerning the issue of shark finning.”

The Service Project

Proposal: In order to eliminate shark fins from the infamous shark fin soup, we have compiled ideas to replace it with another item. We kept in mind that shark fins are relatively expensive and thus, a substitute would have to maintain the steep cost per bowl. Possible solutions would include:-Include coins in the soup to add cost. Although this would bring up the cost, issues in the hygienic health of the soup would arise. Confusion may also arise in what coins to put in there to maintain the extremely high cost of the soup. Questions to think about is what monetary coins= cost of a shark fin. Additionally, small coins pose dangers if swallowed. This provides restaurants serving the soup increase liability for those consuming the soup.- The soup would include an expensive give-away bowl. This could made from elite materials such as silver, gold, etc, that would entice the consumer to still pay a steep price for the bowl. The only concern with this is the possibility of obtaining an expensive bowl. (Who would produce this? Would it be distributed locally? Globally? Etc.) Additionally, in order to maintain the name of the soup as shark fin soup, the bowls could be made into the shapes of shark fins. This idea would be beneficial in all areas.- Shark teeth are commonly found because of their rapid replacements of their teeth. Another alternative to shark fin soup would be to give away gold encrusted shark teeth. In this option, we are also eliminating the need for shark fins and maintaining the value of the soup with the cost of the golden tooth. The name for the soup would also be applicable to this alternative and would continue to support shark fin soup as an elite meal. Issues however begin to arise when considered what else the actual shark fin, does for the bowl of soup. While looking at the cost of the bowl, we must also consider that the shark fin provides a specific gelatinous consistency to the soup. To substitute this, Cellophane noodles, which give off a starchy, clear consistency, would give the soup its texture. With the addition of other marine products like fish, shrimp, etc, the soup will then also be given the marine taste. This idea, combined with the ideas of an expensive soup set-up (Bowl or its extra contents), would decrease the need for shark finning, while still retaining the status for consumption of the elite. Making these other options favorable in comparison to the original shark fin soup would increase the demand for the alternative and decrease the want for the original. Decreased demands of original shark fin soup would lead to a decrease in its supply. Thus, targeting our mission for this project, in eliminating the need for shark finning. With these new targeted ideas comes the increase in a new market. Whether it is for the production of shark fin give-away bowls, or a gold encrusted shark tooth, these new markets lead to an increased job market. These newly

composed ideas would be beneficial in other ways in addition to the obvious.

In order to implement this idea, local restaurants could be given these alternates to their consumers, to see how the new idea stands up to the original idea. The consumers would also be able to see how the new shark fin soup tastes in respect to the actual shark fin. This would also increase awareness of the problem of shark finning and further diminish the need for shark finning. We believe that the more people are aware of the situation, the more likely they are to make changes about it. If alternate soups were given, the consumer has an option of not only enjoying the soup, but also being shark- friendly. There is however an increase in the possibility of a black market, as with any product that may be of a particular interest. Although the alternates would maintain the cost and elite status of a typical bowl of shark fin soup, the psychology behind actually eating soup with shark fins plays a role. Many will only purchase the bowl of soup, knowing it is made of its natural ingredients. This circumstance is evident in a lot of aspects in society, where an individual is captivated by the status of a designer, or label, rather than the actual product. We believe with enough knowledge about shark finning, and the positives of the alternatives, more people would be interested in the substitution of the original bowl of shark fin soup.

Resourses for Samantha’s Classipedia section

1) http://www.animallaw.info/articles/arussharkfinning2010.htm2) http://www.scottsbt.com/misc/enviro/browntide.htm3) http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/education/sharks/catch4) http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/education/questions/basics.html#live5) http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/gallery/descript/bullshark/bullshark.htm6) http://www.oceansentry.org/lang-en/menu-articles/menu-featured-content/1273-longline-

and-shark-finning.html7) http://www.oceansentry.org/lang-en/menu-articles/menu-featured-content/1273-longline-

and-shark-finning.html8) http://www.seashepherd.org/sharks/longlining.html9) http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/long-lines.htm10) http://www.sharktrust.org/11) http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_eggs_does_a_fish_lay_at_one_time12) http://www.whalesharkproject.org/13) http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/shark-finning.htm14) http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/r-typus-

issues/biology.html15) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4620960.stm16) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shark_fin_soup 17) http://www.chinesefood-recipes.com/food_articles/sharks_fin_chinese_cooking.php18) http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/shark-fin-soup.htm**NOTE: resources not directly cited in the paper provided background information and photos used within indicated sections.

Resources for Jangkyu’s Classipedia Sections

- Report of the resumed Review Conference on the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks. New York, 24-28 May, 2010 http://www.un.org/

- THE HONORABLE JOHNSON TORIBIONG PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF PALAU TO THE 64th REGULAR SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY. New York, 25 Sep, 2009http://www.un.org/News/briefings/docs/2009/090925_Palau.doc.htm

- PRESS CONFERENCE ON WORLD OCEANS DAYhttp://www.un.org/News/briefings/docs/2010/100608_Oceans.doc.htm

- TESTIMONY OF ANDREW A. ROSENBERG DEPUTY ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR FISHERIES NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON FISHERIES CONSERVATION, WILDLIFE AND OCEANS COMMITTEE ON RESOURCES U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. April 13, 2000

http://www.noaa.gov/

- http://www.thingsasian.com/stories-photos/3444

- http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/shark-fin-soup.htm

Resources for Shawn’s Classipedia Sections http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/index.htm

Resources for Renee’s Classipedia Sections1) http://www.sharkwater.com/education.htm2) http://www.cites.org/eng/disc/what.shtml 3) http://worldfishing.net 4) http://www.projectaware.org/content/index.php?pid=2305) https://www.projectaware.org/assets/library/142_sharksthingsyoucando.pdf6) http://www.elasmodiver.com/Protecting%20Sharks.htm

Editorials

Amanda StupakEditorialRUID: 114007172

The Trentonian 600 Perry Street?Trenton, N.J. 08618letters@trentonian.com.

To Whom It May Concern:Sharks seem to be the only animal that has no natural predator, that is, until now. Humans have been catching sharks of all species, sizes, and ages to viciously slice off all fins and allow the still-living carcass to sink to the bottom of the ocean to die. Inhuman treatments of sharks have recently reached the coast of our local waters. The tactic of shark finning, has not only left a bitter taste in the mouths of those eating shark fin soup, but those who are aware of the act of shark finning. The diminishing cost of shark fins has left fisherman to discard still-living sharks back into the waters, to increase space for more fins. Shark specialists have recorded an estimate of around 38 million to 100 million sharks are killed annually for their fins. To prevent further innocent killing of sharks, there must be awareness of the situation. Local restaurants are beginning to list shark fin soup on their menus.Are the lives of the numerous sharks worth killing for the soup? Absolutely not. The fin provides a gelatinous texture to the soup that can easily be replaced with Cellophane noodles. Cellophane noodles are a clear Asian noodle that is starchy, which will give the same texture as it would with the Shark fin. Shark fins also have no nutritional value. So why the urge for the product? In Asian culture, those who can afford the $150 bowl of soup are looked as the elite group. With today?s economy the way it is, I can definitely say there are better ways to spend ones money.

Dear editor,I am writing to you regarding the issue of shark finning in the hopes that you could do

something to help. Your website and tv channel reach a great amount of viewers and I feel that the best way to educate a broad spectrum of the public on the issue is if you were to produce an informational section during your shark week marathon. If more people were aware of the seriousness of this issue, more would get involved and eventually there could no longer be an issue. All that I ask of you is that you consider what I am about to tell you before you make your decision.

Shark finning is the name for when fishermen catch sharks and remove their fins for a dish called shark fin soup. This soup is a popular item of Chinese cuisine and is prepared for special occasions such as weddings. It is valued for its uniqueness and texture received from the shark fins. In order for these fins to be retrieved, fishermen cut them off of sharks and then allow the sharks to sink to the bottom of the ocean, helplessly, while other sea animals devour them. This fishing is inhumane and wasteful, as the body of the shark is thrown back into the ocean and only the fins are kept. This is because shark meat is said to be distasteful and, except for the fins, not many places cook with it or use the hide.

Many regulations have been made by countries to limit the amount of sharks killed for their fins. The common regulation made is that a ship cannot bring in an amount of fins that weigh more than %5 of the body weight of the sharks after finning, or that two sharks may be finned for every three caught. Only a small amount of countries require that all sharks caught must be brought to shore with fins attached. With your aid, people could come together in greater numbers to push for the enhancement of these regulations to hopefully ban shark finning altogether. Please email me with any questions that you may have and I would be happy to speak to you further regarding this request.

Sincerely yours,Renee Theroux_____________________________________________________________________________

Samantha AlbrechtThere’s Nothing Funny About Finning

Shark finning is a cruel and wasteful form of fishing that’s taken over our oceans. It involves catching sharks, cutting off all their fins, and then throwing the remaining live shark back into the ocean to die. Without fins, these sharks bleed to death, starve, or are eaten alive by other fish. For decades sharks have been portrayed as the monsters of planet earth. In reality, they kill an average of 10 people a year whereas people are slaughtering approximately 100 million sharks annually in this horrific manner!

The primary motivation that keeps this awful practice alive is the increasing demand for shark fin soup. This delicacy in China and other nations is frequently served at weddings and various banquets as a way of projecting the image of wealth and prosperity to guests. Long ago, it was only affordable to the very wealthy. Nowadays, the rising middle class has increased the demand beyond sustainability.

Why is it such a big deal you say? Horrific cruelty aside, some species of sharks have experienced a 99% decrease in their populations! Because sharks mature late and produce few young, they are particularly vulnerable to over-fishing. There are currently no restrictions on the species, age or sex of sharks that can be finned; so some sharks haven’t even had the opportunity to reproduce before they’re slaughtered.

Sharks are magnificent animals that play a major role in our oceans’ food chains; some are apex predators, others filter feeds, but all are important. If we keep annihilating them as we have been, our oceanic ecosystems will suffer collapse. My recommendation to you: stop eating shark fin soup! _____________________________________________________________________________

Shawn Murphy75 Linden Road Burlington, NJ 08016609-668-1076

Letters Editor, The Seattle TimesP.O. Box 70Seattle, WA 98111

Humans as predators, not sharks

A rising worldwide act of animal cruelty has been stirring up controversy in many areas. This is not the everyday animal cruelty you hear of; rather, it is the inhumane finning of sharks taking place at sea. Shark finning refers to the removal of the dorsal and median fins by fisherman at sea, who throw the still alive shark back into the ocean with no means of movement, protection, etc for the shark.

The primary purpose of shark finning is for the Chinese delicacy, shark fin soup, which is served at many weddings and important ceremonies. This act of animal cruelty is widespread and often unmanaged; however, some countries have now prohibited shark finning and removed shark fin soup from their menus. Not only is this a form of animal cruelty because the shark is defenseless as it sinks to the bottom of the ocean as other animals prey on it, but it has proved already that it is causing ecological effects. The large-scale decline of shark species, which is an important factor in the marine food chain, has the potential to change the oceanic ecosystem. ______________________________________________________________________________

Jangkyu Lee Editorial

UNCONTROLLED SHARK FINNING FOR SHARK’S FIN SOUP DESTROYS OCEAN ENVIRONMENT

Shark’s fin is one of the most expensive food ingredients in the world. It is mostly consumed in Chinese wedding, because shark’s fin soup symbolizes the wealth of bride and groom. Showing that this new couple and their family are able to provide expensive food to their guests is very important in rich Chinese family. Instead, sharks are in very serious danger.

Now, Chinese economy is growing very fast in the world compare to past decades. The experts have no doubt about Chinese grown economy after a few decades will have the biggest influence throughout world, because of huge asset its population. More people are earning enough money to purchase shark’s fin as the economy grows. What this means that the demand of shark’s fin is growing as much as Chinese economy grows.

This means a lot to the black market. ‘Shark finning’ gives a lot of money instead of ‘shark fishing.’ Fisherman taking their boat to the ocean and catching sharks have no problem. This is a legal activity. The problem is IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing that is directly connected to the black market. Their only concern is the Shark’s fin, so these people cut fin and sunk the body into the ocean. This will result the extinction of shark population, breaking the food chain in the ocean and finally it will come back to us.

Now it is time to think about shark’s fin soup. Is it tasty? Actually, the shark’s fin has no taste. There is only a texture of it. So, the taste of this soup depends on the chief’s flavor. Feeling wealthy is the only reason that people have shark’s fin soup.

The worst thing in the market is that Chinese triad, Chinese gang, is trading shark’s fin in the black market. This illegal and unregulated trade gives a lot of money almost as trading a drug. It is becoming very serious not only the reason it is expensive. Many fishers cannot escape from this attractive money offer coming from black market.

Most members of the United Nations had agreed contributing more effort on controlling IUU fishing for many times. Johnson Toribiong, the President of The Republic of Palau, even declared that Palau will be the world’s first national shark sanctuary to protect sharks in 2009. The world leaders already know that saving the ocean environment is very important issue. Breaking the food chain will cause the significant changes in the ocean. The final goal of this change is human. The variety of species and rich number of population that human have been easily achieved are continuously decreasing itself. The mass extinction of species is about to start, because of uncontrolled fishing. And, the shark finning is the major part of this.

The good thing is that there are many people in Chinese culture know about shark finning. Some people started campaign about not giving shark’s fin soup for the wedding. Though, the Chinese culture will not stop giving out shark’s fin soup.

Anyway, having a shark’s fin soup for a meal is nothing wrong. The traditional shark fishing is well controlled by the governments. When the shark fishing boats take the whole shark’s body to the dock, they report the total number of sharks captured. Instead, shark finning boat only cuts the fin off from the shark and through the body away to the ocean for maximizing their shipment. In addition, these boats never can be reported, because they do not settle their boats to the dock. As a result, the government has no control on this shark finning.