Causes Of The Decline Of Shark Finning

Words: 647
Pages: 3
Open Document
Shark fin soup has had a rapid decrease of twenty-fine percent in the past decade. My article that chose describes how and the potential causes of the decline in demand. The trade in shark fins, a symbol of wealth in China and other parts of Asia, has led to the decline in some shark populations by up to ninety- eight percent in the last fifteen years. An estimated one hundred million sharks are killed each year with up to seventy- three million used for their fins. Shark finning is still very prominent in Asia, unfortunately. What is shark finning you may ask? Finning is the process of cutting off the fins of a shark and discarding the body at sea. This wasteful and often cruel practice contradicts all principles of sustainable shark fisheries management and conservation. …show more content…
This will end up affecting the supply and demand of these shark fins. So, why does shark finning occur? While fins are very valuable, shark meat has limited commercial value, providing a strong incentive for shark finning (demand). The major source of demand for shark fins is the market for shark fin soup. In some Asian cultures this is a prestigious commodity, and a tradition to honor special guests or occasions. Once processed, fibers from fins are used to give the soup a glutinous consistency. The fins are tasteless, so pork or chicken is used for flavor. In the last decade, increased average wealth in the Far East and efficient modern fishing methods have resulted in a massive increase in demand for and supply of fins. However, very recently the demand has gone down due to the protection of the species and awareness of the damage being caused along with health factors. Some studies have shown shark fins to be unhealthy or “passé”. Sharks and shark fins are naturally occurring good on the earth which means they are a
Show More

Related Documents: Causes Of The Decline Of Shark Finning

Shark Finning History

Approximately one hundred million sharks are slaughtered annually ("Michael Richardson: Demand for shark fin soup leaves bitter taste."). The majority of this population strictly for their fins. This process, known as “shark finning”, is where a shark is caught and hauled on board, and subsequently has their fins hacked off. They are then thrown overboard, while bleeding and sometimes with weights attached, so they will sink to the bottom and die a long, painful, and excruciating death (Kettles 1)…

Words 1526 - Pages 7

The Disappearance Of Sharks

know that even though humans view sharks as scary and terrifying, we are actually more dangerous to these creatures than they are to us? Sharks are very important creatures who help make sure that the aquatic food chain remains balanced. In addition, they experience many hardships, as humans often (unintentionally or intentionally) kill them. Because of this, many fishermen are seeing fewer and fewer sharks, which shows that their population is declining. Sharks, the colossal predators of the oceans…

Words 363 - Pages 2

Save the Savages Essay

misconception people have today about sharks. While sharks do have the capability to tear, rip, and shred a person limb from limb they are given these opportunities only by humans’ invasive, self-entitlement to the oceans. They are falsely portrayed as man eating monsters when in reality they are graceful, fierce, and misunderstood creatures. Instances like the U.S.S Indianapolis and the Summer of the Shark have only supported people’s misguided notions. Sharks fall true victim to the most deadly predators…

Words 2490 - Pages 10