The Global Impact of Shark Fin Trade: A Cruel Delicacy

The fins of sharks are a culinary “delicacy” in some countries, so the trade of shark fins is responsible for the suffering of millions of sharks around the world.

Shark finning is a highly inhumane practice that begins with the capture of sharks, followed by the brutal removal of their fins. The mutilated, often still-living creatures are then tossed back into the ocean to suffer a slow, agonizing death. These sharks are unable to swim effectively due to the loss of their fins, which are essential for their ability to propel and stabilize themselves in the water. As a result, they sink to the ocean floor, where they either suffocate because they cannot breathe without movement or fall victim to predators. This practice causes immense suffering for the sharks, and their gruesome end is a consequence of a cruel and wasteful trade. The fins that are extracted are sold globally, fueling a lucrative industry driven by demand for shark fin soup and other culinary delicacies.

The shark fin trade, however, is not limited to the cruel method of finning. It also involves fins harvested through shark fishing, which, while often considered a more "legal" method, still contributes to the exploitation of these marine creatures. In shark fishing, sharks are captured and processed like any other fish. However, their fins are removed and traded separately, often at a much higher price, turning them into a valuable commodity. Almost every part of the shark's fin – whether it is the dorsal, pectoral, or caudal fin – can be sold as part of this global trade.

The global shark fin market is dominated by a small number of countries, with the world’s four largest importers accounting for around 90% of the total annual imports. A study examining global shark fin trade from 2000 to 2016 found that Hong Kong SAR was the largest importer, with Malaysia, mainland China, and Singapore following closely behind. These regions have become hubs for the shark fin trade, driving demand and contributing to the continued decline in shark populations. The practice not only threatens the survival of individual shark species but also disrupts entire marine ecosystems, as sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of oceanic food chains.

In response to the growing concern over the environmental and ethical implications of shark finning, there have been calls for stronger regulations and international cooperation to curb the trade. Efforts have been made by various conservation groups, as well as some governments, to ban shark finning and trade, but enforcement remains a significant challenge. The global demand for shark fins continues to fuel this destructive practice, highlighting the need for further awareness, education, and more stringent policies to protect these vital marine species from extinction.

Another significant issue that has worsened the lives of sharks is the tragic problem of fisheries bycatch. Bycatch refers to the incidental capture and death of non-target marine species in fishing gear, a common and devastating side effect of commercial fishing operations. While the primary focus of fishing is often on certain species, many other marine animals, including untargeted fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, seabirds, crustaceans, and other marine invertebrates, are unintentionally trapped and killed. This bycatch is a grave ethical concern because it results in the unnecessary suffering and death of countless sentient creatures. It also presents a major conservation challenge, particularly because it affects endangered and threatened species, pushing them further toward extinction.

Sharks are among the most heavily impacted by bycatch, with around 50 million sharks killed every year as a result of being caught unintentionally in fishing nets, longlines, and other fishing gear. Many of these sharks, caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, are doomed to die because they are often discarded or left to suffocate after being pulled out of the water. Even those that survive being caught may suffer from severe injuries that make it difficult for them to survive in the wild.

This massive loss of shark populations not only has ethical implications but also ecological consequences. Sharks play a vital role in marine ecosystems as apex predators, helping to maintain the balance of oceanic food chains. The loss of sharks due to bycatch can disrupt these ecosystems, leading to cascading effects that impact other marine species. In addition, bycatch is a significant drain on fishery resources, as the unintended capture of non-target species often results in wasted effort and economic loss for fishermen.

Despite efforts to reduce bycatch, such as the development of more selective fishing gear and regulations to protect certain species, bycatch remains a widespread and poorly managed issue. The continued killing of sharks and other marine species as bycatch highlights the urgent need for improved fishing practices, stronger enforcement of conservation laws, and greater global cooperation to protect the health of our oceans. Without effective action, sharks and many other marine species will continue to suffer and decline at an alarming rate.

Around 50 million sharks are killed as bycatch each year. Approximately one in every five animals caught on trolling lines is a shark, and they are either thrown back or have their fins removed with a knife (for the shark fin soup trade) before being tossed back into the ocean to die a slow, agonizing death.

Banning the Shark Fin Trade

On December 15, 2022, the US Congress passed a ban on shark fin trade as part of a military defense bill. Before this, 14 states and three territories had already banned the sale and possession of shark fins. The law prohibits the possession, acquisition, sale, or purchase of shark fins, with exceptions for specific situations, such as fins separated legally after landing or used for research.

In 2022, Hawaii became the first US state to ban shark fishing, making it illegal to capture, entangle, or kill sharks in state waters. Violators face fines and potential loss of fishing licenses and equipment.

Other countries have implemented similar bans: Canada banned the import/export of shark fins in 2019, the European Union banned shark finning in 2013, and the UK followed with a ban on detached shark fins in 2023. Several other countries, including Mozambique, New Zealand, China, and India, have partial or total bans on shark finning or related shark trade.

A global ban on the trade of any part of any shark, regardless of how it was obtained, is urgently needed to address the mounting crisis that these creatures face. The growing awareness surrounding the plight of sharks is a positive sign, as more people understand the devastating consequences of shark finning and overfishing. However, while this awareness is a step in the right direction, it is not enough on its own. The protection of sharks and other marine animals must go beyond bans on specific practices or parts of animals. A holistic and far-reaching approach is required, one that takes into account the inherent rights of all sentient beings, not just those who are most visible or charismatic.

Such a ban should extend beyond sharks to include all marine animals, regardless of whether they are vertebrates or invertebrates. Every marine creature, from the smallest crustacean to the largest whale, has the capacity to feel pain and suffer, and their lives should be protected from exploitation and harm. This would involve banning the trade, capture, and consumption of all marine species, ensuring that the oceans are no longer seen as a resource to be exploited for profit but as delicate ecosystems that must be preserved.

Furthermore, this protection should eventually extend to all terrestrial animals as well. The exploitation of animals is not limited to the oceans; land-based industries, including factory farming, hunting, and wildlife trafficking, also contribute to the suffering and destruction of countless species. To create a truly just and compassionate world, the same ethical considerations that protect marine life should be applied to all animals, regardless of where they live.

Only by embracing a future in which the rights of all sentient beings are recognized can we hope to achieve a paradigm where animal exploitation is no longer a norm. A world where humans live in harmony with animals, respecting their right to live free from harm and suffering, can only be realized in a society that fully adopts a vegan lifestyle. In this future, the trade in animal products—whether shark fins, ivory, or factory-farmed meat—would no longer exist, and humans would prioritize the well-being of all creatures. This shift in thinking is not just a moral imperative but a necessary step to protect the biodiversity and ecological health of our planet. A global ban on the trade of sharks and all other animals, supported by the widespread adoption of ethical, plant-based practices, would pave the way for a more compassionate and sustainable world for future generations.

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