Today while flipping through a list of animals news links, I found a topic that we posted about back on March 25, 2010. Back then people had hoped that the practice of Shark Finning would talked about at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meetings. Well, the sharks got little help. Maybe sharks just aren’t cute furry animals that people will get excited to save? At that time I also found a short 6 min report (by George Knapp & the ITeam) about shark fining, it shows a bit of how they get the fins, where you can buy the fins (even if they are illegal), and more. You can see that full post and a link to the shark fin report at Is Sharks Fin Soup Worth the Oceans Ecosystem.
I had not thought much more about the shark fins, although I do visit some specialty markets and always look to see if they are illegally selling the product. Then today I found an article with pictures and video of a “Shark Fin Factory” in Kesen-numa City, Japan which is the Shark Fin Capitol. The pictures are amazing and disgusting both at the same time. You will see a little bit into how many sharks are killed for their fins (the fins have no nutritional value).
Alex Hofford has not only posted pictures and video of the process, he has a detailed account of what goes on in a day at the shark fining warehouse. At the beginning of the post there is a slideshow of pictures that I had trouble viewing so, if it doesn’t work for you then just scroll down the page as the video and article are down the page. So, go over to Japan’s Shark Fin Capital, Kesen-numa City. It will open your eyes to what is going on in the business. You will also realize that this is just 1 place that is killing of sharks as fast as possible all for profit.
Sharks may not be cute, heck they can even be a bit scary. Yet, they are another animal that needs to be saved and the best way to get any help for them is by having people become aware of their dire situation. So, share this post and lets let as many people as possible get get angry, mad, or at least aware of what is happening to oceans eco system.
How long will sharks last in our oceans if they are killing them at this rate?
Can our oceans survive without sharks?
From reports of store owners and traders that have been prosecuted for selling or dealing in shark fins illegally in the USA, the agencies of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Office for Law Enforcement, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Office of Law Enforcement, and the Food and Drug Administration Office
of Criminal Investigations were where the initial reports of violations were filed. So, if you find shark fins being sold and are looking for a way to report it, I would start with those places for info as to how to go about it in your area.