- According to to the environmentalists, about 100-150 million sharks are killed annually through finning. As of now, there are no international monitoring and/or regulation on shark finning. Recent data indicates that up to 73 million sharks are killed each year to satisfy the shark fin industry. This number includes sharks taken by illegal shark fin traders, data that does not show up on official statistics. The shark finning industry has skyrocketed in recent years, due in large part to the expansion of the Chinese economy. The Chinese have always prized shark fin, and now they are able to pay top dollar for shark fins from all over the world, leading to a potential global collapse in shark numbers. Be aware that many of these photos are graphic and disturbing.
- Shark finning is practiced in many countries, mainly in Europe, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Malysia and other Asian countries. According to a survey conducted, it is found that the demand for shark fins is dropped in Hong Kong, whereas it is increased in Mainland China. In the Chinese culture, shark fin soup represents wealth and prestige since the Ming dynasty. It is served in weddings and other special occasions. Though the exact statistics regarding the population decline of shark cannot be determined, it is estimated that several species have reduced to about 90 percent since the 1970s. According
- Fins obtained from hammerhead shark are costlier than other species
- Shark fin contains significant amounts of mercury that may cause various health problems. Speaking about the health problem caused due to the shark fins, it is revealed that frequent consumption of shark fin soup may lead to sterility disorder in men.