My question,  “Is flavorless soup worth a painful death of a shark?” For me, such a commodity is not a even a desirable want.

Shark fin soup, a traditional Chinese dish that is often served at weddings, may no longer be a delicacy sold in BC restaurants. North Vancouver and Maple Ridge are now among the new cities that have successfully motioned a ban toward shark fins. Consequently, the mayor of North Vancouver is starting an effort to have a provincial ban on the possession, sale, and distribution of shark fins.

On a global view, this delicacy results in 73 million sharks being killed primarily for their fins which endangers one-third of open ocean sharks. Additionally, sharks will be thrown back into the water after having their fins cut off  to suffer a painful death. Without a ‘motor,’ sharks are susceptible to starving, drowning, or being eaten alive.

In conclusion, the opportunity cost of endangering open ocean sharks for the production of shark fin soup seems out of line when you consider the small popularity of shark fin soup. Few areas may have a bigger demand for this soup, but even then, from an ethical stand point, is it worth it?

Sources:

http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/shark-finning.htm
http://bc.ctvnews.ca/two-b-c-cities-ban-shark-fin-products-1.953171
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Vancouver+debate+shark+fins/7233434/story.html