Call to ban 'cruel' shark fin fishing

Environmentalists today called for a worldwide ban on a controversial form of shark fishing which is threatening the survival of some species.

The practice of shark finning - driven by the huge demand for shark fin soup in the Far East - involves cutting off the fins and dumping the animal, often still alive, back into the ocean.

Environmental group WildAid, which is supported by Jaws author Peter Benchley, is calling for European Union countries to join the UK and Australia in introducing an immediate ban on the practice.

Research published today by WildAid suggests some sharp populations have fallen by up to 90% with over 100million sharks and shark-like fish being killed every year.

Susie Watts, who carried out research in 12 countries over two years, said shark finning was devastating poor fishing communities in Africa, India and South America where increased industrial fishing has depleted stocks.

Speaking at a press conference in London, she said: "In the past when sharks were caught up in nets they were thrown back because of the low value of shark meat in the developed world.

"But the demand for shark fin soup has increased so dramatically that the fins are now cut off and the rest of the body thrown overboard.

"It’s a very cruel practice as well as a huge waste of food."

WildAid researcher Victor Wu explains how shark fin soup was traditionally considered a luxury enjoyed by the few but increasing affluence in the Far East, in particular China, has seen demand more than double in the past 10 years.

He said: "The soup is usually served at special occasions such as weddings, the new year, and at business lunches where the host is keen to impress his guests.

"Shark fin is actually tasteless, it is the broth which provides all the flavour but the attraction is there because it is considered a delicacy."

He said WildAid was not attacking Chinese or Asian culture but simply wanted to raise awareness of how demands for the soup is threatening the survival of many species of shark.

WildAid is also calling on all shark fishing nations to produce shark management plans to ensure sustainable fisheries and to implement a plan of action being proposed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation which meets at the end of this month.