Hidden Truths Behind the Shark Fin Trade: Study Reveals 6.5% of Fins in Hong Kong Come from Protected Species
- Shark Guardian
- Jan 12
- 4 min read
A groundbreaking new study has uncovered a shocking reality behind one of the world’s largest shark fin markets. Researchers analysing over 16,000 shark fin samples from retail markets in Hong Kong found that 6.5% of the fins came from globally protected shark species — a figure more than double what is officially reported by authorities.
Even more alarming, the study revealed that the volume of fins from critically endangered oceanic whitetip sharks being sold in Hong Kong is 70 times higher than what is declared under international trade laws.
These findings highlight widespread underreporting and ongoing illegal trade in species already at risk of extinction — despite global agreements meant to protect them.
DNA Reveals the Hidden Trade
The research, published in Science Advances and led by Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida International University, and Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden (KFBG), used advanced DNA forensic testing to identify species from fin fragments collected between 2014 and 2021.
By analysing trimmings — the small pieces left behind when shark fins are processed — the scientists were able to gather a large and accurate sample at a relatively low cost. The results painted a troubling picture: many fins sold in Hong Kong’s markets belonged to species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Researchers even traced some fins back to their oceanic regions of origin, confirming that many came from areas where trade in these species should be tightly controlled — or completely banned.
“DNA evidence clearly demonstrates that protected species are still entering the global market at alarming rates,” said Feng Yang, conservation geneticist at KFBG. “This shows major gaps in monitoring and enforcement.”
A 95% Illegal Trade
According to the data, more than 95% of oceanic whitetip shark fins found in Hong Kong’s retail markets appear to be traded illegally. Despite being listed under CITES Appendix II for over a decade — which requires trade permits and sustainability assessments — these species continue to appear in markets in large numbers.
The research also supports the recent decision to upgrade the oceanic whitetip shark to Appendix I, made at CITES CoP20 in November 2025, which now enforces a complete ban on international commercial trade.
“Our analysis underscores that global trade regulations can only be effective if countries consistently enforce them,” said Dr. Stephan Gale, a co-author of the study. “We need stronger compliance and monitoring frameworks to ensure these protections translate into real-world results.”
The Scale of the Problem
Hong Kong remains one of the world’s largest shark fin trading hubs. From 2015 to 2021, official import volumes dropped from 6,000 to 2,000 tons, yet the city still accounted for more than 67% of global imports of CITES-listed species.
However, the study found that the legally reported trade of protected species made up only 0.4% to 0.9% of Hong Kong’s total fin imports during that period — revealing the true scale of unregulated and illegal trade.
The findings demonstrate that while progress has been made on paper, loopholes, weak enforcement, and lack of traceability continue to undermine global conservation efforts.
In 2013 Shark Guardian Directors, Brendon Sing and Liz Ward, traveled to Hong Kong giving educational shark presentations to schools and visited the 'Shark fin/ Dried seafood Lane' of Hong Kong:
Why Enforcement and Traceability Matter
Conservationists warn that current enforcement mechanisms in Hong Kong — and globally — are failing to match the sophistication and scale of the fin trade.
“When shipments are rarely DNA-tested, when traders aren’t required to prove species-level legality, and when penalties are minimal, illegal fins continue to flow into markets,” said Andrea Richey, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Shark Foundation.
She emphasized that stronger inspections, routine DNA testing, and full supply chain transparency are essential to stopping the trade in endangered species.
“CITES only works if countries enforce it,” Richey added. “Without meaningful penalties and traceability, these protections risk becoming symbolic rather than effective.”
A Call for Global Accountability
The study’s results reinforce a message long championed by Shark Guardian and other marine NGOs: global shark conservation depends not only on strong laws but on strong enforcement.
Without routine inspections, verified documentation, and traceable supply chains, illegal fins from endangered sharks will continue to be laundered alongside legal ones — masking the true impact of the trade.
Shark Guardian supports the growing global movement to improve transparency in the shark fin supply chain through:
Mandatory species-level DNA testing
Full documentation of trade routes
Public databases to expose illegal operators
International cooperation to strengthen border and market enforcement
Moving Forward
This study serves as a wake-up call: despite international bans and protections, endangered sharks are still being exploited on a massive scale.
As more species — like the oceanic whitetip, scalloped hammerhead, and guitarfish — gain CITES protection, strong monitoring and accountability are now more crucial than ever.
At Shark Guardian, we believe that real change is possible — but only when data, science, and public awareness come together. With every study, every campaign, and every shared story, we move one step closer to ending the global shark fin trade for good.