James RickardCalifornia shark fin ban
March 25th 2011 01:24
Notice a lack of fins?
Although it goes against centuries of tradition and will, undoubtedly infuriate countless people, the U.S. state of California is introducing a bill to ban the sale and possession of shark fins, including the serving of shark’s fin soup.
The bill, similar to a Hawaii statute, seeks to curtail the practice of removing shark fins for human consumption and then leaving the still-living sharks to sink to the bottom of the sea and experience a slow death.
Having grown up in the coal country of West Virginia, I know what a slippery slope it can be to try and enact environmental laws that may eradicate ways of life.
It must be realized the sale of shark fin soup is not limited to China. As world population grows and various groups spread far and wide, the desire for this product grows. According to the article, the dish, once privy to China's elite, has grown in accessibility until 73 million sharks are killed each year! With number like that, one has to wonder how many sharks are living today and how long numbers like that can be sustained.
The bill, similar to a Hawaii statute, seeks to curtail the practice of removing shark fins for human consumption and then leaving the still-living sharks to sink to the bottom of the sea and experience a slow death.
Having grown up in the coal country of West Virginia, I know what a slippery slope it can be to try and enact environmental laws that may eradicate ways of life.
It must be realized the sale of shark fin soup is not limited to China. As world population grows and various groups spread far and wide, the desire for this product grows. According to the article, the dish, once privy to China's elite, has grown in accessibility until 73 million sharks are killed each year! With number like that, one has to wonder how many sharks are living today and how long numbers like that can be sustained.
Rather that turn this post into a long-winded editorial, here's a link to the NY Times article.
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
| 19 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
