Shark Finning in the UK Now Illegal & Other Shark Conservation Wins

Shark finning —or the act of removing fins from live sharks and dumping them into the ocean where they painfully perish and drown—is a harmful practice driven by demand for shark fin soup and other shark-based delicacies around the world, with a particular interest in Asia-Pacific communities.

Last year, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) found 50% of the shark fin trade was fueled by exports from European countries including: Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, France, and Italy.

But not for long.

In June 2023, the UK passed the Shark Fins Act into law, setting the tone for the rest of the continent and a major win to prevent this archaic and inhumane practice from continuing.

But aside from shark finning, what are some of the greatest threats facing sharks today? And what can humanity do to help these critical species?

Why do these ongoing threats to sharks matter? And why is this development so important?

Sharks face numerous threats across industries, impacting populations and species' health.

A study in Marine Policy estimates that 100 million sharks are being killed annually. According to the Journal Nature , shark populations have declined by 70% over the past 50 years, and HALF of oceanic shark species are now critically endangered.

The Journal Current Biology estimates 36% of all 536 shark species risk extinction.

Overfishing (to fuel the $1 billion USD industry that relies on shark liver, oil, cartilage, and meat), plus bycatch, pollution, climate change, and more greatly impact these ecologically-critical keystone species.

Sharks serve a critical importance for ocean health, biodiversity, and economic growth.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) outlines how this apex predator balances the food chain, feeds on overly abundant species, prevents algae overgrowth and coral reef decline, and moves nutrients, among other benefits.

Oceana points out the financial benefits for coastal regions of “dive tourism” by comparing the economic value of sharks alive vs. caught. In the Bahamas, a living reef shark is worth $250,000 vs. a one-time value of $50 for a fisherman. In Belize, a protected whale shark can bring in $2 million in economic value over its lifetime.

What is the private and public sector doing to help conserve sharks??

Within the private sector, innovative startups like those in Sustainable Ocean Alliance ’s Ecopreneur Network —including Safety Net Technologies & Blue Ocean Gear —are actively helping to eliminate bycatch through technological developments and advancements in fishing gear tracking.

With the influence of activists around the world, many airlines and shipping companies have now committed to NOT transporting shark fins or serving shark fin soup on flights.?

Within the public sector, policymakers and governments around the world have advanced shark conservation laws and regulations to mitigate threats facing these endangered species.?

In 2022, the U.S. passed the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act along with many other nations. Most recently, the UK has made shark finning/the shark fin trade illegal.

In 2009, Palau designated its national waters as the world’s first shark sanctuary . Today, an abundance of Shark Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across the globe are helping counteract overfishing and helping shark populations rebound.

Who are the champions for shark conservation?

Thankfully, this world is full of compassionate, mission-driven people who care about shark welfare and have dedicated their lives to protecting sharks around the world.?

Leading shark conservation nonprofits include: Shark Allies , OCEARCH , Shark Conservation Fund , Shark Guardian UK Charity , Shark Stewards , The Shark Trust , and many more!

Sustainable Ocean Alliance has supported several shark-focused projects through our grants program, including Biflores in Cape Verde, Thresher Shark Indonesia , and Coalición Tiburón Perú . Many of our regional Hubs have also partnered with NGOs and campaigners like Fly Without Fins to activate youth and stop shark finning around the world.

I’m so heartened by the collective progress made to protect the ocean’s apex predator! In the comments below, please share any additional shark conservation developments or initiatives.

— Daniela V. Fernandez