I. Introduction
Thesis:
Shark finning has been introduced to the public more profound now that people have taken notice to the cruelty and decline of the shark population. The finning industry has caused major problems for the survival of the shark and the ecosystem that is effect by the pressence of the sharks excistence. Sharks are amazing creatures due to their since they have been able to outlive the dinosaurs and have been able to survive most events where their existence has been threatened. The economy in most countries have been widely effect by the impact of the shark to, due to their fins which are valued so much in most countries such as China and Japan. The ones who are catching and finning the sharks are so motivated to due so is because the amount of money they are payed per fin and for their work, which causes them to be more aggressive in there finning buisness. Shark finning has affected the world through economy and the way the ocean's environment if supported and kept at a healthy balance. Activistes like the Sea Shepered and Rob Stewart are marjor contributors to helping save the sharks. People are finally taught and shown how sharks are not the enemy, and how they are an important factor to nature have actually done something to protect these creatures they once feared. Conservationist have seeked help from most governments and from some congresses to help start Acts and Movements against the industries of shark finning.
Introduction to Sharks:
Sharks have inhabited the Earth for millions of years, living in the age of the dinosaur and surving the extinction to be able to live in present day. Sharks are the top predators of the ocean, that vary in size from the cute Bamboo shark of 48 in. to the gigantic beauty of the Whale shark of 41 ft. They have been feared by humans for many years, influenced by the movie Jaws which had a major impact on the view of people and similar movies and tv shows. Sharks are one of the most misunderstood creatures in the world.
Most people believe sharks are out to kill and eat them. This thought is proven wrong by many researchers and scientists, and all lovers of sharks. Most of the time, sharks attack us because we resemble their pray if on a surfboard or splashing around in more murky places. Sharks have similar but not the same vision we do, scientist believing that they are far sighted and have trouble seeing in close ranges. When a person usually dies from a shark attack, it's not because they are eaten, it's due to the loss of blood. The bite of a shark is as though you are sticking needles into your flesh, where it is almost impossible to take junks out or to tear at the meat; that is why they have to thrash their heads so they are able to then get the meat off that they need for consumption. If they wanted to kill and eat us for their meal they would.
Most attacks that shark are known for are called the hit-and-run attack. This is were the shark bites their victim and releases, departing from the scene. The reason they do this attack is either mistaken identity or a warning, motioning that you are entering their territory and they dislike that you are invading it. Another factor is called the Bump and Bite or Sneak Attacks. These occure mostly when there is a plane wreck or ship wreck, where it is open water and this is the only source of food a shark can find. An example of this is during the USS Indianapolis.
Due to the fear from movies and attacks in real life, it's hard for people to help or save something that they fear deep in their hearts.
II. Economy & Effects
Sharks have been around for more than 400 million years, outliving the existence of humans and are thought by those, as predators. But, who really is the predator? Shark finning has become a major industry, found mostly in China, which can produce $500 million per year due to the increased demand in shark fin soup. Before, shark fin soup was for the elite of society to consume, symbolizing great wealth, health, and honor. Now it has become more relaxed to the point where almost everyone eats the soup now. Almost 100 different countries are involved with this industry, but the main consumer countries include: China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia and Thailand; the US and the EU are becoming major consumers too due to their Chinese communities.
The shark fins in the shark fin soup only add a texture, since they are flavorless, and have a very little nutritional value to them; chicken or fish broth is added to the dish to give it's taste. A bowl of this stuff can cost up to $100 per bowl, as if usually served at weddings and special occasions since it shows guests great hospitality, and also showing one's wealth and status. For cheaper buffet type restaurants a bowl can sell up to $10.
Each year 73 million to 100 million sharks are killed for the soul purpose of their fins, and this increasing number of kills calls to a big decline of the shark population. Catching sharks and finning them, then throwing them back in the ocean to sink and drown is the procedure of shark finning. 70 to 80 percent of the shark population has declined, with this most sharks have been put on the Redlist of shark species; "up to 110 species of shark are either critically endangered (19), endangered (25), or vulnerable (66), while further 96 are facing some level of threat. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to list the Great White, Basking, and Whale Shark on Appendix II, which imposes restrictions on international commerce in those species."
In places like Taiwan, shark finning is not illegal, and most other places are very loose about their regulations, and only some countries regulate that you have to bring the shark back to port before you can fin them. " In recent years, Cocos Island had become another battleground in the fight to save the shark. Cocos Island, recently declared a nation park," was once a thriving place for sharks to live. Most places that illegal for shark fishing and finning, that is where you can find most activity of fishermen, since sharks are protected there , there would be a higher number of sharks living then where most finners fish. "Some countries, such as Costa Rica, have strong shark finning regulations but lack the resources to enforce them. In the United States, recent Coast Guard actions against shark finning vessels have uncovered large shipments of illegal and unreported shark fins."
Even though it is a very demanded thing, for shark fins, test from Hong Kong and Thailand have found large amounts commonly in shark fins. The mercury has exceeded recommended safe levels, which if there is a large consumption of shark fin there could be a major "widespread of public health problems resulting from mercury poisoning.
III. Conclusion
To my conclusion, the rate of the shark population is decreasing fast, and without help from laws and conservationist, in a couple decades we may no longer live with sharks, for they may be extinct. With their extinction, the ecosystem would be thrown off balance and we don't know if that could effect our life and the life of our planet. The shark finning industry would have a hard time in decreasing kills since it does bring them the profit of $500 million a year, and it would be harder to enforce laws, and to keep them enforced. The shark fin itself is completely tasteless and can cause us such high risk of mercury poisoning and health problems, so why even risk. Not even can we get hurt by the shark fin itself, but the shark suffers tremendously due to it's fins being completely cut of and left to drown in it's own home. If we don't shape up, we will lose our most valuable predator that has roamed these ocean for more then 400 million years. So now can you tell me, who is the predator here?
IV. Sources
http://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?collection=journals&handle=hein.journals/occoa12&div=16&id=&page
http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=10574858809426807872&q=shark+finning&hl=en&as_sdt=40002
http://www.hsus.org/hsi/oceans/sharks/shark_finning/dying_for_a_bowl_of_soup.html
http://articles.cnn.com/2008-12-10/world/pip.shark.finning_1_shark-fin-shark-populations-top-predator?_s=PM:WORLD
http://www.takepart.com/news/2010/08/05/a-world-without-sharks
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/sharks1.html
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