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Shark Finning

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Shark Finning

Introduction

The practice of shark finning has caused catastrophic declines in global shark populations

in the last 20 years, with an estimated 26-73 million sharks traded for their fins annually

(Holtcamp, 2012). Despite this devastating trend, the demand for shark fin soup and supplements

persists due to unfounded beliefs in its health benefits. Shockingly, recent research reveals that

shark fin is detrimental to human health, containing high levels of neurotoxins linked to

Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other neurological diseases (Holtcamp, 2012). Countries should ban

shark finning because it is a cruel and unnecessary practice that is decimating shark species

worldwide. The inhumane practice involves slicing the fins off living sharks and discarding the

finless animals back into the ocean to drown, bleed to death, or be eaten alive. Shark fin's

continued promotion and consumption in traditional medicine and haute cuisine rests on

debunked health claims that run counter to the scientific evidence of its actual neurotoxic effects.

Research question: What are the economic and cultural reasons some countries do not ban shark

finning?

The Many Benefits Sharks Bring To The Oceans

Sharks are normally dreaded as lethal creatures, but they have an incomparable value that

is crucial for the well-being of marine environments globally. In their capacity as apex predators,

sharks reduce prey populations, keep species variety, and conserve important ecosystems such as

coral reefs. Appreciating these key ecological roles played by sharks acts to underscore why the

protection of ocean life requires the maintenance of shark numbers.

Sharks are important in regulating populations of many types of prey across ocean

habitats hence stopping overfishing and habitat destruction from a single population (Yagnesh et
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al., 2020). Sharks are also opportunist topmost predators, eating whatever comes their way. Their

diet consists of fish, seals, sea lions, and rays, including getting rid of the weakest individuals

and maintaining natural selection that keeps them healthy and sustainable. This hierarchical rule

prescribes limits on exponential growth rates for prey species beyond an ecosystem’s ability to

support it. An oversupply of herbivorous organisms such as tiger sharks and green sea turtles in

Hawaii can be catastrophic. However, by pruning turtle numbers down to size through shark

predation the seagrass meadows can continue serving as critical nurseries for many juvenile fish

species. On the other hand, if not enough Tigersharks are present, these same turtles will graze

down these meadows until they become barren and unsuitable for small marine life forms. Prey

population control is necessary for sharks or ecological implosion may occur due to over-

browsing effects leading to extinction.

Sharks play a crucial role in marine ecosystems in maintaining biodiversity and species

balance. This is because they regulate the population of many of their prey so that few become

too populous to drive other species into rareness or extinction. Mid-level predatory fish and

invertebrate populations can experience dangerous trophic cascades due to overfishing sharks

(Yagnesh et al., 2020). In addition, reduced shark numbers on coral reefs can lead to increased

densities of mesopredators such as snappers and groupers that overgraze parrotfish and

surgeonfish populations. Insufficient herbivory weakens reef structure and causes a regime shift

from corals to macroalgae-dominated states with an accompanying loss in biodiversity. Coral

systems still perform ecological functions well, with healthy shark communities much more

resilient to destructive trophic cascades. The presence of sharks thus imposes valuable top-down

control that prevents domination by a few species and preserves ecological complexity.
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Sharks are invaluable in sustaining the health, biodiversity, and resilience of vital marine

habitats, particularly coral reef ecosystems. Studies demonstrate a clear link between robust

shark populations and thriving biologically productive coral reefs (Yagnesh et al., 2020). sharks

help prevent destabilizing trophic cascades by controlling mid-level predatory fish populations.

When sharks decline due to overfishing, densities of predatory snappers, emperors, and groupers

proliferate rapidly. These voracious mesopredators then overconsume herbivorous parrotfish and

surgeonfish - essential coral reef grazers. With not enough herbivores around, algal growth on

coral skyrockets out of control. This phase shift from coral dominance to algal dominance causes

severe degradation of the complex physical structure and biodiversity supported by healthy coral

reef habitats. In contrast, coral reefs with abundant shark populations are much more resistant to

such ecological collapse. The presence of sharks imposes natural control over the delicate

balance of predator and prey, preventing unchecked algal growth and preserving the incredible

biological productivity of pristine coral ecosystems.

Shark Decline is almost at the point of return

Shark populations worldwide are declining at an alarming and unprecedented rate. Some

estimates indicate that shark numbers have dropped by over 99% in recent decades (Randhawa et

al., 2014). This dramatic reduction brings sharks dangerously close to the point of no return.

According to Randhawa et al. (2014), humans are directly and indirectly responsible for

this sharp decline through overfishing and habitat destruction. Sharks are highly vulnerable to

overexploitation due to their slow growth, late maturity, and low reproductive rates. As apex

predators, sharks play vital roles in ocean ecosystems. Their removal can trigger trophic cascades

and irreversibly destabilize marine food webs.

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The high demand for shark fins, which are a delicacy in some Asian kitchens, is one of

the main reasons why people go out fishing for sharks. Sharks are usually caught and harvested

just for their fins in an act infamously called “finning” where they cut off the fins and then throw

the shark back into the water to die slowly. Shockingly, worldwide trade in shark fin kills about a

million sharks annually.

Some Asian medicine practices also highly value products like shark fins. Nevertheless,

no scientific study has conclusively shown any health or medical benefits from shark cartilage,

liver oil, or other extracts. Such unsupported beliefs about sharks still endanger them. For

example, the false claim that shark fins boost virility and sexual performance in men is a key

factor spurring the relentless hunting of sharks.

If current trends continue, many of the over 500 shark species may face extinction in our

lifetimes. Unlike other notable conservation problems, there is very little knowledge or

condemnation of the miserable state of sharks. They are monsters that terrify people but their

existence in the ocean is a must to maintain balanced dynamics. Their probable extinction would

have a lasting impact on marine trophic levels and global food chains.

Efforts to save elephants, rhinos, tigers and gorillas – as examples of some vulnerable

terrestrial species have paid off in that their habitats are now well protected. Presently, the same

type of aggressive campaigns is needed to save the shark species at risk. Banning finning and

monitoring shark fin trade are commendable; however, the more important issue is stopping

overfishing.

These sharks have been around for 400 million years and have survived many times, even

when there were massive extinctions. However, the whole population of sharks in the world is at

risk because of human activity which could wipe them out in some few decades only. We must
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curb commercial fishing rates to give shark species a fighting chance. Even slight increases

could tip depleted populations into irreversible decline. There is still hope to bring sharks back

from the brink, but the window for meaningful action is rapidly narrowing. The future of sharks

now hangs in the balance. Urgent intervention is needed to prevent these vital ocean predators

from vanishing forever.

Benefits from shark-diving/ watching tourism

Over the past two decades, ecotourism activities involving marine megafauna like sharks,

rays, and whales have surged in popularity worldwide. Shark diving, in particular, has

experienced massive growth as a niche tourism market dedicated to sustainable and non-

consumptive shark encounters. For instance, a study in Palau by Vianna et al. (2012) estimated

that the shark diving industry generates over $18 million annually and is responsible for 8% of

the gross GDP.

In many countries, a live shark has become more economically valuable as a tourism

asset than a dead one from fishing (Shiffman et al., 2022). For example, in Fiji, shark diving adds

$42.2 million per year compared to only $1.2 million from the shark fin trade. Well-managed

shark dive sites allow sustainable economic returns while incentivizing local people to conserve

sharks rather than hunt them. Places that used to pay fishermen to hunt sharks now pay them to

guard sharks. Divers are willing to pay premium prices for high-quality interactions with sharks.

This income funds habitat protection and education, builds local pride in sharks, and motivates

conservation. With oversight, shark tourism can generate substantial revenue while positively

reshaping attitudes about shark conservation globally. The rise of shark diving tourism

demonstrates the paradigm shift where sharks’ economic and educational values far outweigh
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consumptive uses. Their formidable reputations now drive a thriving industry working to save

sharks worldwide.

Counterargument

According to Haase (2015), the consumption of shark fins has a long-standing cultural

significance, especially in Chinese cuisine. Banning traditional practices often faces backlash

from claims of cultural superiority and racism from Western countries. Sharks also provoke fear

as predators that sometimes attack humans. These arguments may justify allowing the shark fin

trade to persist and reducing shark populations.

However, just because a practice has historical precedent does not mean it should

continue despite environmental harm. Foot-binding women and slavery were cultural traditions

now recognized as morally repugnant. Though shark fins are preferred for their texture, chicken

and plant-based substitutes, replicate their properties without killing sharks. Culture adapts as

environmental awareness spreads.

Likewise, the dangerous reputation of sharks is greatly exaggerated in the media,

inflaming irrational fears. Bees, wasps, snakes, dogs, and cows individually kill far more people

every year than sharks do. Sharks kill fewer than ten people annually worldwide (ifaw, 2022).

Their vital role as apex ocean predators contributes to human well-being by maintaining diverse,

healthy ecosystems. When cultural practices or ingrained perceptions do extensive ecological

damage, they must evolve. The shark fin trade kills up to 73 million sharks per year, often slicing

off fins and discarding sharks to die painful deaths. Losing these top predators would severely

disrupt vital oceanic food chains.

Rather than culled as vermin, sharks should be respected for their critical environmental

functions. Ecotourism now offers alternative economic benefits from live sharks worth far more
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than fins. With public education, cultural attitudes previously accepting of environmental

exploitation can pivot towards conservation on issues like sharks. We cannot destroy ocean

ecosystems essential to our future simply because "it has always been done that way."

Prioritizing ecological balance over Cultural, traditional, irrational justifications will save sharks

and humanity.

Conclusion

Shark finning is an appallingly cruel practice that involves slicing off the fins of sharks

and discarding the animals back into the ocean to die slow, agonizing deaths. The shark fin trade

is decimating the world’s shark populations and it is estimated that between 26 and 73 million

sharks could be killed annually. Sharks act as crucial apex ocean predators in marine ecosystems

worldwide. They control prey populations, maintain biodiversity, and help preserve critical

habitats like coral reefs. The rapid decline of sharks brings many species dangerously close to

extinction, which would severely disrupt fragile ocean food webs. Shark ecotourism also

demonstrates the tremendous economic value of live sharks. Therefore, countries must ban the

ecologically devastating and inhumane practice of shark finning. Sharks are worth far more for

tourism revenue and the priceless ecosystem services they provide. Urgent intervention is

required to halt the overfishing driving catastrophic shark population crashes. Banning shark

finning is an essential step toward sustaining healthy oceans.

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Reflection

Question 1

I used source material about the economic benefits of shark tourism to support my

argument that countries should ban shark finning. Citing the statistics from Vianna et al.'s study

on how much revenue shark diving generates in Palau strengthens my case by quantifying the

financial incentives for conservation overfishing. This real-world evidence enhances my essay by

demonstrating ecotourism's potential as a sustainable alternative.

Question 2

As I revise this draft into Touchstone 4, feedback on the clarity of my research question

and suggestions for additional supporting details would be helpful. I am also uncertain if my

counterargument section effectively addresses cultural objections or needs more nuance.

Comments on strengthening my conclusion to drive home the urgency of action would also aid

my revision process.
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References

Haase, A. (2015). Soup Minus Shark: How the Shark Finning Industry Continues to Cause

Transboundary Environmental Harm. Fordham Research Commons.

https://research.library.fordham.edu/environ_2015/123

Holtcamp, W. (2012). Shark Fin Consumption May Expose People to Neurotoxic BMAA.

Environmental Health Perspectives, 120(5). https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.120-a191

ifaw. (2022). FAQ about sharks. IFAW. https://www.ifaw.org/international/journal/faq-about-

sharks

Randhawa, H. S., Poulin, R., & Krkošek, M. (2014). The increasing rate of species discovery in

sharks coincides with sharp population declines: implications for biodiversity.

Ecography, 38(1), 96–107. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.00793

Shiffman, D. S., Elliott, J. N., Macdonald, C. C., Wester, J. N., Polidoro, B. A., & Ferry, L. A.

(2022). The next generation of conservation research and policy priorities for threatened

and exploited chondrichthyan fishes in the United States: An expert solicitation approach.

Conservation Science and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.12629

Vianna, G. M. S., Meekan, M. G., Pannell, D. J., Marsh, S. P., & Meeuwig, J. J. (2012). Socio-

economic value and community benefits from shark-diving tourism in Palau: A

sustainable use of reef shark populations. Biological Conservation, 145(1), 267–277.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2011.11.022
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Yagnesh, M., Durga, F., Rehanavaz, M., Poojaben, T., & Raj, D. (2020). Importance of sharks in

the ocean ecosystem. ~ 611 ~ Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 8(1), 611–

613. https://www.entomoljournal.com/archives/2020/vol8issue1/PartJ/8-1-128-458.pdf