WHY ARE SHARKS BEING KILLED?
SHARKS ARE KILLED FOR VARIOUS PRODUCTS
Sharks, the apex predators crucial to maintaining ocean balance, are being slaughtered in staggering numbers—an estimated 100 million every year. While sharks are killed for their meat, oil, cartilage, and other byproducts, the most in-demand and devastating product is shark fins, primarily used in shark fin soup. This lucrative global trade continues to drive unsustainable shark fishing and finning practices, pushing many species toward extinction. On this page, we explore the main reasons sharks are being targeted, highlight the massive impact of the shark fin industry, and uncover the range of products made from sharks that many people may not even realize they're consuming.
The Shark Finning Industry
Shark finning is a cruel and wasteful practice where sharks are caught, their fins are removed—often while still alive—and their bodies discarded back into the ocean, leading to death by suffocation, blood loss, or predation. Driven by the high market value of shark fins, which can sell for hundreds of dollars per kilogram, this practice is one of the primary threats to shark populations. Sharks are captured using destructive methods like longlining, gillnets, and trawling, with the fins dried, processed, and exported from regions including Asia, Latin America, and Africa. These fins are then sold to wholesalers, retailers, and restaurants, primarily for shark fin soup, a dish that continues to fuel demand despite growing bans and conservation efforts worldwide.
The Shark Fin Soup Phenomenon in Asia Communities
One of the main drivers of shark killings is the demand for shark fin soup, a traditional delicacy in many Asian cultures, long associated with wealth, status, and celebration. Although the fin itself is tasteless, its symbolic value has fueled a massive surge in shark finning, particularly in the late 20th century as economic growth in countries like China made the dish more accessible. This demand has led to unsustainable fishing practices and the decline of shark populations. While conservation campaigns and increased public awareness have begun to reduce consumption in some areas, the tradition still persists and continues to pose a serious threat to sharks worldwide.
Bowl of shark fin soup | Credit: By harmon from austin, tx, usa - CC BY-SA 2.0
COUNTRIES BEHIND THE SHARK FIN CRISIS
Top 10 Shark Fin Exporting Countries
Over the last five years, several countries have emerged as the largest exporters of shark fins. The following list includes the top 10 countries based on the amount of shark fins they export annually, measured in metric tons:
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Spain: 3,500 - 4,000 tons per year.
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Indonesia: 3,000 - 3,500 tons per year.
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Taiwan: 2,500 - 3,000 tons per year.
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India: 2,000 - 2,500 tons per year.
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Mexico: 1,500 - 2,000 tons per year.
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Japan: 1,200 - 1,500 tons per year.
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Argentina: 1,000 - 1,200 tons per year.
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Malaysia: 800 - 1,000 tons per year.
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South Korea: 600 - 800 tons per year.
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Sri Lanka: 500 - 700 tons per year
These figures highlight the significant global trade in shark fins, despite numerous international efforts to regulate and reduce shark finning practices.
Top 10 Shark Fin Importing Countries
The global trade in shark fins is largely driven by a few key importing nations. Based on data from recent years, the following countries are among the top importers of shark fin:
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Hong Kong: By far the largest importer of shark fins, accounting for over 50% of the global trade.
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China: Mainland China is a significant importer, with demand driven by the popularity of shark fin soup.
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Singapore: A major hub for the shark fin trade in Southeast Asia.
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Malaysia: Imports large quantities of shark fin for both domestic consumption and re-export.
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Thailand: Another significant importer, catering to both local demand and re-export.
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Taiwan: A key player in the shark fin market with strong domestic demand.
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Vietnam: Importing fins for domestic use and re-export.
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Japan: While demand has decreased, Japan remains an important market for shark fin products.
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Indonesia: A significant importer due to its large domestic market.
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South Korea: Another important market, particularly in traditional and luxury dining.
OTHER SHARK RELATED PRODUCTS
In addition to shark fins, several other shark-derived products are available in the market:
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Shark Meat: Often sold under names like "flake," "rock salmon," or "houndfish," shark meat is consumed in various countries. In some regions, it is a staple, while in others, it is considered a delicacy.
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Shark Liver Oil: Rich in vitamins A and D, shark liver oil is used in dietary supplements, cosmetics, and medicinal products.
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Shark Cartilage: Marketed as a supplement believed to treat various ailments, including arthritis and cancer, although its effectiveness is not scientifically proven.
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Shark Skin: Used to make products like leather, often referred to as "shagreen'.
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Shark Teeth and Jaws: Often sold as souvenirs or used in jewelry, contributing to the trade in shark products.
Shark Cartilage in chinese Medicine in a chinese pharmacy in Yokohama, Japan. | Chris 73 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Shark meat in supermarket, Tochigi, Japan.
Kanohara, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons