Shark fin soup has always been a delicacy in Asia as a symbol of wealth. Since the 1970s, sharks were on the verge of being extinct. Finning is the unethical practice of cutting off the shark’s fin then throwing the rest of the living body back into the ocean. The sharks die a slow and painful death by drowning, starving to death, or eaten alive by other predators. The fins are then dried and sold in markets to restaurants and individuals.

A shark being finned alive. Photo: Common Sense Canadians

Although the sales of shark fin dropped by 70% over the past few years, sharks are still endangered. According to The Guardian, Shark fin traders are complaining that sales are decreasing and prices are falling. One trader said, “Shark fin is a dying business”. Among with many others, I think shark fin should be a dead business. Although this will put all the traders out of business, it is better for the world and this species that existed before dinosaurs. There is no ethical way to kill animals, but endangered animals shouldn’t be killed at all. I participated in the stop shark finning campaign and stopped eating shark fin soup. Quoting the International Union for Conservation of Nature, I hope “sharks will become commercially extinct rather than actually extinct”.

A Finned Shark left to drown or get eaten by other predators. Photo: Animal Welfare Institute

Work Cited

“Sales of Shark Fin in China Drop by up to 70%.” The Guardian. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2015.

“”Shark Finning – Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.” Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2015.

“The Reality of Shark Finning.” Shark Friends. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2015.

“Top Nations Killing & Finning Sharks.” Shark Stewards. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2015.

Coloured powder catching on fire. Photo: hdtv

It was suppose to be a fun night out, partying with friends at a water park. The night was filled with music, flashing lights, special effects and color powder. Nobody expected this horrible fire to happen, injuring almost 500 people. The fire was caused by an accidental explosion of the color powder sprayed over the crowd, which was ignited by the special effects on the stage. Hospitals in the area had to cope with the high number of burn patients from the disaster.

The company that supplied three tons of color powder to the event organiser, Color Play Asia, clearly labeled the packaging saying that the material is flammable. The president of the company also said that “the powder shouldn’t be used in closed spaces or under high temperatures or else a dust explosion could occur”.

The victims of the event waiting for help. Photo: mirror

Color Play Asia only cared about their profit. They ensured that the party would be fun and exciting to attract the customers, but didn’t consider the safety of the customers. The company has the social responsibility of the community, and not preform unethical actions that can endanger the community. I think the event organizers should be charged for jeopardizing the lives of others. I think all events should go through a safety check before the event actually occurs, and all companies should read warning labels of other products. Companies should also put better warnings to reduce the chance of accidents happening.

Sources

“Taiwan Formosa Water Park Explosion Injures Hundreds – BBC News.” BBC News. N.p., 28 June 2015. Web. 15 Sept. 2015.

“Taiwan Water Park Explosion Injures Nearly 500 People.” The Guardian. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2015.

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