01/29/2024 Guest Essay by Volunteer Hana Lin
As a Singaporean high school student of Chinese descent, Lunar New Year is one of my favorite times of the year. It is a time for family, tradition, and of course, delicious food. However, while many people eagerly anticipate delicacies like pineapple tarts and bak kwa, one dish I will not be eating is shark fin soup. My decision is not based on taste, but on ethics, environmental responsibility, and my volunteer work with the non-profit Shark Stewards.
The Reality Behind Shark Fin Soup
Shark fin soup has been a symbol of status and prosperity in Chinese culture for centuries, often served at banquets and celebrations. However, the price of this tradition is far greater than many realize. The shark fin trade is responsible for the deaths of up to 80 million sharks every year. Many of these sharks are caught, their fins cruelly cut off, and their bodies discarded back into the ocean, often while they are still alive. This practice, known as shark finning, is both inhumane and unsustainable. Also, the shark fin trade, driven by the demand for shark fin soup is driving overfishing of sharks.
As an apex predator, sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Their decline leads to disruptions in the food chain, which can result in the overpopulation of certain species and the collapse of marine biodiversity. The loss of sharks ultimately affects the health of our oceans, which in turn impacts the seafood industry and coastal communities, including Singapore. An investigation conducted here in Singapore shows that the fins from endangered and protected shark fins are regularly traded and consumed in Singapore.
The Threat to Shark Populations
Many species of sharks, including the scalloped hammerhead and the oceanic whitetip, are now classified as endangered due to overfishing. Singapore remains one of the largest hubs for the shark fin trade, despite growing awareness of its harmful impact. While laws regulating shark finning exist, loopholes and illegal trade persist. If demand for shark fin soup continues, we risk driving these incredible creatures to extinction.
My Experience with Shark Stewards
As a volunteer with Shark Stewards, I have seen firsthand how education and advocacy can change mindsets. Through outreach programs, I have helped spread awareness about the consequences of consuming shark fin soup and encouraged sustainable seafood choices. Many people are unaware of the ecological destruction behind their bowl of soup, and once they learn the facts, they are willing to reconsider their choices.
Organizations like Shark Stewards work tirelessly to push for stronger regulations, marine protected areas, and consumer awareness to reduce consumption. By refusing to eat shark fin soup, we are joining the movement to save sharks and contributing to the protection of our oceans.
A New Tradition for the Future
Lunar New Year is about more than just food—it is about family, respect, and celebrating new beginnings. As part of the younger generation, I believe it is our responsibility to honor tradition in a way that aligns with modern values of sustainability and compassion. There are many other delicious and meaningful dishes to enjoy during the festivities that do not come at the cost of endangering our planet.
By saying no to shark fin soup, I am taking a stand for marine conservation, ethical choices, and a more sustainable future. I hope that more people will join me in making this simple but powerful decision—not just for Lunar New Year, but for the health of our oceans and the generations to come. I wish you all a propitious, prosperous and health new year