It is estimated that as many as 73 million sharks are killed for shark-fin soup every year – an indiscriminate slaughter that is pushing many species to the brink of extinction.

How many sharks have died from shark fin soup?

Continued demand for shark fin soup, dumplings, and other shark fin dishes served in restaurants around the world perpetuates the practice of finning, resulting in an estimated 73 million sharks being killed each year for their fins alone.

Why do people kill sharks for shark fin soup?

Sharks have been feared hunters ever since people first observed them swimming in the vast ocean. Shark fins are tempting targets for fishermen because they have high monetary and cultural value . They are used in a popular dish called shark fin soup, which is a symbol of status in Chinese culture.

What is wrong with shark fin soup?

Shark finning is unsustainable. Not only do humans decimate shark populations, but sharks have low reproductive rates, making repopulation difficult. Many types of sharks are exploited for their fins, including endangered species such as the Scalloped Hammerhead and Great Hammerhead.

Why we should not eat shark fin soup?

Reasons why we should say no to shark fin soup: Third, shark fins are expensive. Fourth, shark fins have no proven medicinal value. In fact, they contain high levels of mercury (made more concentrated by the treating and drying process), plus hydrogen peroxide, which is used to make the colour more appealing.

Why we should stop eating shark fin?

Once kings of natural selection, sharks are now facing extinction due to finning. Shark populations are extremely vulnerable because they take up to 20 years to reach sexual maturity and produce few young. The current demand for fins makes it impossible to restore populations to previous levels.

Is shark fin soup legal in the United States?

Shark Fin Soup Sold in the US Although the states have varied exceptions and statutory penalties for violations, all the bans make it unlawful for any person to possess, sell, offer for sale, trade, or distribute shark fins within that jurisdiction.

Can I buy shark fins?

According to Oceana, even though shark finning is illegal in U.S. waters, fins can still be bought, sold, and transported throughout the United States.

Is shark fin soup still available in China?

Shark fin soup is still (too) widely available in China. Although consumption is down, there are still over 100,000,000 consumers of shark fin in China alone. Approximately 20 million blue sharks are killed each year to supply the shark fin trade.

How many sharks are killed for shark fin soup each year?

According to some estimates, 100 million sharks from a variety of species may be killed annually, mostly to feed China’s demand for shark fin soup, scientists say. Historically most fins have gone to southern China, where the soup is a popular wedding dish.

Is it illegal to eat shark fin in China?

Like the last inaccuracy that shark finning is illegal in China (its not) shark fin soup is only restricted for government and party members. Shark fin soup is still (too) widely available in China. Although consumption is down, there are still over 100,000,000 consumers of shark fin in China alone.

How many sharks are killed each year in China?

According to some estimates, 100 million sharks may be killed annually, mostly to feed China’s demand for shark fin soup. A hammerhead shark is pulled aboard a fishing boat 500 miles off the coast of Indonesia.