Loopholes to Shark Finning

The amount of meat has increased while the number of fins has decreased

Fishermen around the globe make their livelihoods off of exporting shark fins. In 2010 the United States Congress passed a new bill that prevented shark finning on the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico (Eilperin 2010). This bill stated that sharks had to be shipped with their carcasses still intact. Despite regulations and laws like this one, some fishermen have still found loopholes in order to keep the booming business in order. In 2013 it was reported that Costa Rican fisherman were removing the rest of the body down to the spine so that the fins were still considered attached to the body, which freed space in the cargo and allowed for more space for the fins (Xray Mag 2013). The fisherman who create loopholes like these threaten the populations of all species of sharks. 

Although bans have been placed in countries like the United States, loopholes are still discovered allowing for the trade to continue. The federal ban on shark finning stated that "fishing" vessels have to carry a 5% "fin to carcass ratio" in order for the vessel to be legal (Guilford 2013). Many fisherman have been able to bypass this rule because they are not considered fishing vessels. In 2011, American government has updated the law saying that the fish must be landed with their fins ("fins on" rule). By recognizing these changes, governments are able to decrease the amount of landed sharks with their fins still intact.

Works Cited:

Eilperin, J. (2010). Congress passes shark protection bill. The Washington Post. The Washington Post Company. (Date Accessed: February 19, 2014.) http://tinyurl.com/28kne5v.

Guilford, G. (2013) New York’s ban on the illegal shark-fin trade won’t do much to protect sharks. Quartz. Quartz. (Date Accessed: February 20, 2014.) http://qz.com/109052/why-new-yorks-ban-on-the-illegal-shark-fin-trade-may-do-nothing-to-reduce-it/

Xray Mag. (2013). Costa Rican shark finners finds way around anti-shark finning regulations. Xray Mag. Xray Mag. (Date Accessed: February 19, 2014.) http://www.xray-mag.com/content/costa-rican-shark-finners-finds-way-around-anti-shark-finning-regulations

Want to get Involved?

Check out some of these links to learn more about this global issue and see what you can do to help. 

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society 

The website provides useful background information into the history of shark fin soup, and why it is still a prominent dish in China. It also gives opportunities to get involved not only with sharks, but with other endangered marine life such as whales and dolphins.

Shark Savers

Here you can find out more information about the topic, including recent news concerning shark finning. Most importantly, Shark Savers is a site where you can get actively involved in these issues through some of their programs, which even include building shark sanctuaries to help protect the animals.

Stop Shark Finning 

This website will give you a list of ways to get involved in the campaign against shark finning, which includes spreading the message through social media and local restaurants. It also give you the opportunity to go on diving expeditions to explore the underwater world.

The Humane Society 

Here you can get a brief overview of the issue, but most importantly you can sign The Humane Society's No Shark Fin Pledge to help show your support. By signing this pledge you will join thousands of other conservationists who are working to keep the oceans safe for sharks.