Things are looking better for sharks - BUT don't get too complacent

November 21st, 2011

It’s been a good month for sharks. The survival of a species may have gotten a greater chance and the importance of protecting this important animal has been highlighted. The state of California has banned shark fin. Toronto is now a fin free zone. Look further and we see that more shark sanctuaries are being established by many nations.

All these milestones have been achieved thanks to the tireless work of campaigners fighting shark finning from different angles. There are the many scientists and researchers who’d shown through their findings that sharks are in trouble. We now know that shark numbers are down – and at a critical level for some species. We no longer have to ask the question of whether or not sharks are facing dangers. The discussion is now focused on how much trouble they’re in. Science has also informed the public that cutting down a particular species can have a devastating effect on the entire marine ecosystem. Only the very foolish and uninformed these days would not recognize the importance of maintaining and protecting the apex predators of the ocean.

Education, education and education

Then, there are the many organizations who’d been out on the frontlines educating the public on the devastation brought on by shark finning. More people now know that a bowl of soup is not just a bit of harmless enjoyment and this knowledge has created a cultural shift. Shark Savers Hong Kong has taken the message to the Asian market with their effective grassroots campaign ‘I Pledge’. Here in Vancouver, Shark Truth has been running a campaign aimed at those in the Chinese communities to decline from serving shark fin soup at their weddings. It’s easy to continue singing the same song to the same old converted groups but the real challenges come from going out to where people actually consume shark fin.

We’re fighting for sharks in our own ways

Another important aspect of the movement to ban shark finning is the the collective and individual efforts of many ocean enthusiasts. These are the thousands of divers, surfers, marine life fans and the campaigns created on Facebook and other social media. To meet this powerful and loud lobby, businesses of all size have allied with shark conservation organizations. It is well known that responsible consumers in diving, surfing, and travel will spend their money on products and services that help sharks. Also, those of us who’ve used the services of and worked in the industry are more than aware that ocean conservation makes up an important part of the education and marketing side of watersports. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out sharks are worth more alive than in a lousy bowl of soup.

Yes we know that most of the demand for shark fin is coming from China, a populous nation with a rapidly growing middle and wealthy class, a place where terms such as ‘conservation’, ‘ecosystems’, and ‘animal welfare’ don’t quite have the same resonance they have in the west. But the moves toward shark protection in the rest of the world will not be completely ignored there.

Lots of work left to do

The movement and all of us who’ve done their part deserve a toast. But don’t party for too long. The fight isn’t over. On a browse through the street of my local Chinatown, I saw many shops openly selling shark fin and I have been informed by vigilant friends and colleagues that some of the biggest and most popular restaurants still serve shark fin soup. Lets not lose the momentum and the world’s attention.

For more information

Shark Trust (UK)

Shark Savers (USA)

WildAid

Stop Shark Finning