| Sharks |
 Shark fin Hong Kong © 2007 Paul Hilton It is estimated that over 100 million sharks are killed each year to satisfy the commercial demand for shark fin and shark products. Asia accounts for the majority of this demand.  Shark fin restaurant Bangkok © 2007 Adam Oswell Sharks have inhabited the world’s oceans for 400 million years and are viewed by environmentalists as crucial to maintaining the balance and health of marine ecosystems.  © 2007 Paul Hilton The rapid growth of commercial shark fishing in recent years, however, has led to a serious depletion of the stocks of many shark species. Some species have declined by as much as 80% in the past decade alone whilst around 20 species of shark are considered to be vulnerable or endangered. Shark fin – considered a delicacy and a status symbol amongst the Chinese - can command prices of up to US$ 560 per kilo making it one of the most expensive fish products in the world.  © 2007 Paul Hilton Shark fining is currently banned in the U.S.A’s Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico waters. Environmentalists are calling for a similar ban in the Pacific where shark mortality has now risen to crisis levels.  A bowl of shark fin soup © 2007 Paul Hilton |