Shark's Best Friends: The Conservationist and Activist Perspective

People Against Shark Finning

Conservationists and activists strongly disagree with the practice of shark finning for several reasons. First and foremost, shark finning is an inhumane practice. Once caught, sharks’ bodies are not used efficiently, as only the fin is severed from the body while the rest of the shark is thrown back into the ocean to drown or to be eaten by fish (Stop Shark Finning 2013). Also, shark finning can lead to ecological disasters. Due to the growing popularity of shark finning, particularly in Asian waters, sharks are not able to reproduce as fast as they are being hunted, which could lead to extinction. According to The International Union for the Conservation of Nature, approximately one in three sharks are threatened by that fate (PETA 2012). Following the extinction of sharks, the entire ecosystem of the ocean would be thrown off-balance. Sharks are considered apex predators, meaning that they are at the top of the food chain. Sharks control overpopulation of their prey, such as fish, and if extinct, they would not be able to maintain the very delicate balance (Shark Water 2012). The goal of a conservationist focuses on the preservation the diversity of an ecosystem, and animal activists wish to protect all species from unnecessary harm. Shark finning threatens both of these practices, as it not only puts sharks at risk, but it endangers an entire ecosystem. In order to prevent this, many activist organizations, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are encouraging people not to buy the soup and spread the message (PETA 2012).

Works Cited:

PETA. (2012) ‘Free the Sharks’ Week 2012. PETA. PETA. (Date Accessed: February 20, 2014.) http://www.peta.org/features/free-sharks-week-2012/.

Stop Shark Finning. (2013) Shark Fin Soup what’s the scoop? Stop Shark Finning. Stop Shark Finning. (Date Accessed: February20, 2014.) http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/shark-fin-soup-whats-the-scoop/. 
Shark Water. (2012). Education Shark Finning Facts. Shark Water. Sharkwater Productions. (Date Accessed: February 19, 2014.) http://www.sharkwater.com/education.htm