Today is a huge loss for our oceans…
Posted on March 23, 2010 - Filed Under HSUS, Nigel Barker Today, Personal Picts
As reported by The Associated Press, efforts to protect heavily fished hammerhead and oceanic white tip sharks were narrowly rejected by the UN today, March 23. The U.S.-backed proposal aimed to regulate the booming trade in shark fins, which has consequently led to widespread illegal fishing and poaching. The proposal was opposed and rejected by Asian nations that feared such regulation would damage poor coastal nations. Japan, China, Indonesia and other nations that benefit from the trade of shark fins argued that the restrictions would be difficult to apply and that regulation was not the answer. However, the United States, Europe, Australia and other Arab countries argued that unregulated trade has caused significant decreases in the populations of endangered and nearly endangered sharks. Much of this is attributed to the demand of shark fin soup in China. Often being served at weddings, banquets and special events, the lavish dish has surged in demand as increasing numbers of Chinese middle class family become wealthier. As a spokesperson for the HSUS and an avid supporter of the ethical treatment of animals, I am saddened to hear that politics and monetary concern have prevailed over the protection of some of our ocean’s most amazing predators. If you would like to take a stand against this injustice, Take the No Shark Fin Pledge and help stop shark finning.
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