14 DAY TRIAL // Green group the World Wildlife Fund has some very good news for shark lovers. Thus, the organization claims that, according to its investigations into the matter at hand, the city of Hong Kong received significantly fewer shark fins in 2013 than it did the year before.
Specifically, the World Wildlife Fund claims that, when compared to the year 2012, shark fin product imports in Hong Hong in 2013 were down by about 34.7%. This might mean that the city is becoming a tad more shark-friendly.
On its website, the organization further details that, apart from the fact that it received fewer shark fins in 2013, the city of Hong Kong also exported fewer such animal body parts. Thus, exports are estimated to have dropped by 17.5%.
Given the fact that this urban area is a major trading center for shark fins, this can only come as good news as far as efforts to protect marine biodiversity are concerned.
To put things into perspective, it must be said that, presently, shark fin exports to Hong Kong account for about 50% of the global trade involving such animal body parts.
What's more, the urban area is a major processing center for this type of meat, meaning that many of the shark fins that arrive in Hong Kong are processed and either sold locally or exported.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, it is likely that this city imported fewer shark fins in 2013 than it did in 2012 due to the fact that, as a result of several green-oriented campaigns, this type of meat is no longer as sought after as it used to be.
“Recent trends indicate that shark fin, once perceived as a delicacy or an essential part of dinner banquets, may be no longer as socially acceptable as it once was,” the organization writes.
“WWF has made significant progress in convincing caterers like hotel chains, and transporters like airlines, to stop carrying shark fins. Additionally, the Chinese government has banned shark fin at official state functions, which may be impacting demand for fins,” it adds.
Interestingly enough, it would appear that young people also have a say in helping Hong Kong curb local shark fin trading activities. Thus, it is said that 20% of the couples getting married in this part of the world these days opt for shark-free banquets.
For those unaware, shark fins are considered a delicacy in several regions, and people most often use them to make soup and serve them at weddings and other such gatherings.
Conservationists maintain that doing so encourages the cruel practice of finning, and consequently endangers both the global shark population and the wellbeing of marine ecosystems.