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. 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. 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.


Shark fin for sale at a restaurant in Bangkok's chinatown.



Catching sharks for finninf, Africa. Photo: Paul Hilton



Shark fin for sale in Chinese traditional medicine shop, Hong Kong. Photo: Paul Hilton



A bowl of shark fin soup is an expensive delicacy in Chinese culture.