SHARKS

Up to 100 million sharks are killed each year. Much of that goes to supply the trade in shark fins, which is arguably the biggest threat to shark populations.

Many shark populations are being decimated, with overexploitation now threatening almost 60% of all shark species.

Much of the demand for shark fins is driven by demand for shark fin soup, which is a Chinese delicacy eaten for special occasions like weddings or other celebrations. There is also an expanding demand for shark meat.

Shark finning is an especially cruel practice. Typically, it involves removing the fins from live sharks and then throwing them back into the water, where it cannot swim or survive. Laws regarding shark finning can vary by country, and often have loopholes that make them difficult to enforce.

SHARK LINKS:

The Push to Stop the Killing of Sharks for their Fins

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/07/shark-fin-soup-campaign-illegal/

Ban the Trade in Shark Fins

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/06/opinion/sharks-ban-fin-trade.html

Why are Humans Killing 100 Million Sharks Every Year?

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/09/humans-killing-100-million-sharks-year-180923150037790.html

Shark Fin is Banned in 12 US States - But it's still on the Menu

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2019/01/restaurants-sell-shark-fin-soup-despite-state-bans/