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.