A new Nature Communications analysis finds that shark-finning regulations, while important, have not produced a statistically significant change in global shark-product exports, imports, domestic consumption, or trading partnerships. The study by UCSB researchers McDonald et. al result is a clear warning: preventing the wasteful act of finning at sea must be paired with enforceable fishing limits and meaningful controls on the shark-fin trade. What does this mean for the sharks?
Read MoreTurning the Tide: Why the Stop Illegal Fishing Act is Crucial for Sharks and Human Rights
Every year, an invisible war is waged across the global ocean. Out of sight and far from shore, rogue fishing vessels plunder marine ecosystems, pushing vulnerable species to the brink of extinction. This is Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, a global criminal enterprise worth an estimated $23 billion annually. H.R. 6338: The Stop Illegal Fishing Act is a bold, necessary step toward real accountability on the high seas. Introduced in the 119th Congress, this bill targets the financial lifelines of ocean poachers.
Read MoreGuest Blog- Why I Wont Eat Shark Fin Soup
As a Chinese American (even though I’ve personally never had the soup), this problem hits close to home. The reason the shark fin trade is so lucrative in places like China is because of the massive demand, which is interesting because the shark fin itself has no flavor and serves only to thicken the soup. The real flavor comes from the broth, and the shark fin can easily be substituted for sustainable options like scallops or even mushrooms, which have the same gelatinous texture.
Read MoreEndangered Sharks and Rays in the News
Endangered Species Month Launched as Scientists Warn of Hundreds of Species of Rays and Skates at Risk From Overfishing and Habitat Loss.
NOAA Proposes More Shark Fishing in Atlantic as SHARKED Act Swims in Senate
Rays in Hot Water: Sharks International Conference
An early off-cited alert 2015 study by Dr. Boris Worm of Dalhousie University warned that around 100 million sharks were killed each year, primarily by the shark fin trade. However MacNeil ‘s team estimates that nearly twice as many rays — 191 million — are killed annually, in work that has yet to be peer reviewed.
Read MoreVoices of Extinction A Soupfin Shark’s Plea for Survival
Save the Soufin Shark and Defend the ESA. Color and Mail to Secretary Burgum (by December 21)
Download the Sammy the Soupfin Shark coloring page from Shark Stewards and color me in! Make me as beautiful and colorful as you want. Then write a short message on your drawing like:
“Dear Secretary Burgum, Please protect Sammy the Soupfin Shark and keep the Endangered Species Act strong! Sharks need our help! From, [Your Name]”
Mail your colored drawing to: Secretary Doug Burgum U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NWWashington, DC 20240
Read MoreHope for the Soupfin Shark: CITES Protection and the Fight Ahead
For far too long, the soupfin shark has faced a relentless onslaught of threats, pushing its global populations to the brink. At the latest Conference of the Parties to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), soupfin sharks achieved international protection from trade.
Read MoreThe History of US Shark Finning and Fin Trade Regulation
Since the 1950s industrial fishing pressure has increased 18 times. Many populations of pelagic fish like swordfish and tuna have declined severely and sharks have suffered most. Scientists estimate that […]
Read MoreDeadline to Comment and support the EU Shark Fin Trade Ban
June 4th 2024 is the final public comment deadline to the eu commission to end the trade of shark fin. Add your voice below. The questions are focused on policy options- selecting option 7 will have the most impact regulating trade.
Read MoreSingapore Trades in Endangered & Protected Shark’s Fins
A 2023 study of shark fins in Singapore using DNA bar-coding technology has revealed a large deficiency in accurate labeling of shark fins, and an alarming presence of protected and endangered species in the Singapore market. Accurate labelling and better accountability in the supply chain can protect endangered sharks and protect consumers from toxic metals.
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