Roni Essex
Freediver, Spearo, Creator
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Roni Essex
Freediver, Spearo, Creator
Shark finning is a practice involving the removal of shark fins for the purpose of trade, while the rest of the shark's body is discarded at sea. The process typically involves capturing sharks, removing their fins, and then releasing them back into the water, often still alive but unable to swim effectively. This practice is primarily driven by the demand for shark fins, which are considered a delicacy in some cultures and used to make shark fin soup. Various countries and international organizations have taken steps to combat shark finning. On the 29th of June, the UK passed a law banning all shark fin trade.
This legislation will enforce a prohibition on the import and export of separated shark fins, including any products that contain shark fins like canned shark fin soup. Shark finning, the inhumane and wasteful practice of removing a shark's fins at sea and discarding the body, has already been banned in the UK since 2003 under the Shark Finning Regulation. Since 2009, the UK has also implemented a "Fins Naturally Attached" policy to combat illegal shark finning within its waters and by its vessels worldwide. This Act strengthens the existing safeguards by prohibiting the trade of detached shark fins and associated products obtained through this method. Numerous shark species currently confront significant population pressures. Among the 500+ shark species, the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists 143 as "Under Threat," ranging from "Vulnerable" to "Critically Endangered." The demand for shark fin products and subsequent overfishing significantly contributes to these pressures. The Act will safeguard sharks and help curtail the unsustainable overfishing of these remarkable creatures. Sharks not only serve as vital indicators of ocean health and biodiversity but also play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by regulating the population of fish lower in the food chain.
Animal Welfare Minister Lord Benyon said, “Shark finning is an inexcusably cruel practice that has led to the suffering and death of countless sharks. The practice is rightly banned in UK waters, but trade has continued, with serious implications for the future of these magnificent creatures. That is why it is so important we ban the import and export of detached shark fins and I welcome the Shark Fins Act as an important step in our commitment to champion the conservation and sustainable management of sharks wherever they are fished.”
Steve Backshall MBE said “Today is a huge win for shark conservation and a real cause for celebration. Sharks are beautiful and incredibly complex animals, but sadly frequently misunderstood. With this tough ban on the import and export of shark fins now law, we are not only supporting the survival of these ancient creatures but also sending a clear message the UK has zero tolerance for this wasteful and destructive trade.”
Ali Hood, Director of Conservation at the Shark Trust said “It’s fantastic news! The UK has long taken a stand against shark finning. Seeing fins naturally attached enshrined into UK law reinforces this stance. And the addition of a ban on the import and export of detached shark fins eases customs checks and enables the UK to hold other countries to the same standard to which we hold ourselves. Our thanks to Christina Rees MP, Baroness Whitchurch, and the many organisations and individuals who have joined this cause over the years”.