Why sharks are being killed

WHY SHARKS ARE

BEING KILLED?

WHY SHARKS ARE BEING KILLED

Sharks, the apex predators of the ocean, are being killed at an alarming rate, with an estimated 100 million sharks dying every year. These deaths are primarily driven by the demand for shark fins, meat, oil, cartilage, and other byproducts, which are sought after in various markets worldwide. The factors contributing to the mass killing of sharks range from the lucrative trade in shark fins to the rising demand for shark-related products. This webpage will delve into the reasons behind shark killings, the impact of the shark finning industry, and the products derived from sharks.

The Shark Fin Soup Phenomenon in Asian Communities

One of the most significant drivers of shark killings is the demand for shark fin soup, a delicacy in many Asian cultures. Originally a symbol of wealth and status, shark fin soup gained popularity as a luxurious dish served at weddings, banquets, and other special occasions. The demand for this dish skyrocketed in the late 20th century, especially in China, where economic growth allowed more people to afford it.

The fin itself is tasteless, but the prestige associated with consuming it has led to an unsustainable increase in shark finning. Despite growing awareness and campaigns against shark finning, the tradition persists in some regions, although demand has started to decline due to increasing public awareness and conservation efforts.

Bowl of shark fin soup | Credit: By harmon from austin, tx, usa - CC BY-SA 2.0

The Shark Finning Industry

Shark finning is the process of removing fins from sharks, often while the sharks are still alive. Once the fins are removed, the rest of the shark is typically discarded back into the ocean, where it dies from suffocation, blood loss, or predation. This brutal practice is driven by the high value of shark fins, which can sell for hundreds of dollars per kilogram, making them one of the most expensive seafood products in the world.

Capture and Finning: Sharks are caught using various methods, including longline fishing, gillnets, and trawling. Once captured, the fins are swiftly removed, and the finless bodies are thrown back into the sea. This practice is highly wasteful, as the entire body of the shark is often discarded.
Export and Trade: The fins are then dried and processed for export. Major shark fin exporters include countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. These fins are shipped to wholesalers and traders who distribute them globally. The fins are then sold to retailers, often in countries where shark fin soup is still in high demand.
Retail and Consumption: Retailers sell the fins to restaurants and consumers, where they are used primarily for making shark fin soup. The high demand for this dish continues to fuel the global shark fin trade, despite numerous bans and restrictions in many countries.

Credit: Steve Woods

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Shark-Related Products in the Market

In addition to shark fins, several other shark-derived products are available in the market:

Shark Meat: Often sold under names like "flake," "rock salmon," or "houndfish," shark meat is consumed in various countries. In some regions, it is a staple, while in others, it is considered a delicacy.
Shark Liver Oil: Rich in vitamins A and D, shark liver oil is used in dietary supplements, cosmetics, and medicinal products.
Shark Cartilage: Marketed as a supplement believed to treat various ailments, including arthritis and cancer, although its effectiveness is not scientifically proven.
Shark Skin: Used to make products like leather, often referred to as "shagreen'.
Shark Teeth and Jaws: Often sold as souvenirs or used in jewelry, contributing to the trade in shark products.

Shark Cartilage in chinese Medicine in a chinese pharmacy in Yokohama, Japan. | Chris 73 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Shark meat in supermarket, Tochigi, Japan.
Kanohara, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Countries that are most involved in the shark fin trade

Top 10 Shark Fin Exporting Countries

Over the last five years, several countries have emerged as the largest exporters of shark fins. The following list includes the top 10 countries based on the amount of shark fins they export annually, measured in metric tons:

Spain: 3,500 - 4,000 tons per year.
Indonesia: 3,000 - 3,500 tons per year.
Taiwan: 2,500 - 3,000 tons per year.
India: 2,000 - 2,500 tons per year.
Mexico: 1,500 - 2,000 tons per year.
Japan: 1,200 - 1,500 tons per year.
Argentina: 1,000 - 1,200 tons per year.
Malaysia: 800 - 1,000 tons per year.
South Korea: 600 - 800 tons per year.
Sri Lanka: 500 - 700 tons per year

These figures highlight the significant global trade in shark fins, despite numerous international efforts to regulate and reduce shark finning practices.

Top 10 Shark Fin Importing Countries

The global trade in shark fins is largely driven by a few key importing nations. Based on data from recent years, the following countries are among the top importers of shark fin:

Hong Kong: By far the largest importer of shark fins, accounting for over 50% of the global trade.
China: Mainland China is a significant importer, with demand driven by the popularity of shark fin soup.
Singapore: A major hub for the shark fin trade in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia: Imports large quantities of shark fin for both domestic consumption and re-export.
Thailand: Another significant importer, catering to both local demand and re-export.
Taiwan: A key player in the shark fin market with strong domestic demand.
Vietnam: Importing fins for domestic use and re-export.
Japan: While demand has decreased, Japan remains an important market for shark fin products.
Indonesia: A significant importer due to its large domestic market.
South Korea: Another important market, particularly in traditional and luxury dining.