James RickardCan shark fin soup lead to shark extinction?
February 26th 2011 01:02
This great shot and other photographs by Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert can be seen by following a link within today's post.
It's no secret that I'm not a fan of shark fin soup although I've never had the opportunity to try it.
This article from underwatertimes.com does little to dispel that feeling.
To sum things up, the article details a typical day for Kesennuma, a Japanese fishing town on Island's north-east Pacific coast.
Contrary to some beliefs, Japan does not lead the world in shark catching. According to the article, only 20 countries account for 80% of the global shark catch. Leading the pack is Indonesia, followed by, believe it or not, India and then Spain, and Taiwan. Japan finishes back in 9th place.
Aside from the fact shark fin soup is an Oriental tradition, the numbers from the shark trade are staggering. Again according to the article, a single tailfin can bring in as much as ¥10,000. While that may be only slightly over $120 USD, each fin has a price and since shar-kfin soup is made with all fins...
This article from underwatertimes.com does little to dispel that feeling.
To sum things up, the article details a typical day for Kesennuma, a Japanese fishing town on Island's north-east Pacific coast.
Contrary to some beliefs, Japan does not lead the world in shark catching. According to the article, only 20 countries account for 80% of the global shark catch. Leading the pack is Indonesia, followed by, believe it or not, India and then Spain, and Taiwan. Japan finishes back in 9th place.
Aside from the fact shark fin soup is an Oriental tradition, the numbers from the shark trade are staggering. Again according to the article, a single tailfin can bring in as much as ¥10,000. While that may be only slightly over $120 USD, each fin has a price and since shar-kfin soup is made with all fins...
By following a link on the article page, I discovered the meat from shark harvesting at Kesennuma is sold. This is more encouraging than pictures I seen of carcasses left to decay on the ocean floor. AND since I've eaten shark a couple of times, I guess it has to come from somewhere.
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
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