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| Shark fin soup |
Shark fin soup is the number one reason sharks are killed. This soup has been a delicacy in Asian countries, particularly China, since the Sung Dynasty (968 AD) (Shark Truth 2014). It is frequently served at weddings, new year’s parties, and other large celebrations (Lo 2012). This ancient tradition causes many Asian communities look down upon people who do not eat shark fin soup. The soup shows a status of wealth and prosperity, and not eating it is disrespectful towards hosts who provide it (Shark Truth 2014). Texture is the only reason shark fins are used in this soup other than their status as one of the “Big Four,” the four most valuable types of seafood in China (Shark Truth 2014). There are three other valuable types of seafood which include abalone, sea cucumber, and fish maw (Shark Truth 2014). In recent years the brutality of shark finning has become more public. Alternatives to shark fin soup have been created, which maintain the same texture and flavor without the fin (Lo 2012).
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| Map of states in the US that serve shark fin soup |
Although the origins of this soup are in China, it has spread to be a worldwide dish. Shark fin soup is served in many places in the United States. Currently, there are 31 states that offer shark fin soup, even some of those that have a ban placed on shark finning and possession of shark fins (AWI 2013). Some restaurants in California and Oregon serve shark fin soup without the license to do so (AWI 2013). This causes a larger problem because many states and countries are ignoring or avoiding regulations set in place to prevent shark finning.
Works Cited:
AWI. (2013). Restaurants Currently Offering Shark Fin. Animal Welfare Institute. Animal Welfare Institute. (Date Accessed: February 19,
2014.) https://awionline.org/content/restaurants-currently-offering-shark-fin-soup#Top
Lo, B. (2012) Shark fin what’s all the fuss about? Youtube. Youtube. (Date Accessed: February 20, 2014.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLTQORmB9TY
Shark Truth. (2014). Shark Fin Trade. Shark Truth. Shark Truth. (Date Accessed: February 19, 2014.) http://www.sharktruth.com/learn/shark-finning/
