We are deeply disappointed by Disney's ill-advised decision to keep shark's fin on its menu ('Disney seeks WWF's green light for shark's fin suppliers', June 8, and 'Shark fin at Disney will come with a sermon', June 10).
Disney has lost an excellent opportunity to take the lead as a proponent of sustainable consumption, the only solution available to mankind to preserve valuable marine resources.
In a teleconference with World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong and WWF USA last week, Disney USA agreed not to serve shark's fin, either on the general menu or by request, until such time as WWF and Disney are able to identify a certified sustainable source. We were in the process of drafting a joint press release to reflect these discussions. The announcement by Disney Hong Kong comes as a surprise. Is Disney in control of its subsidiary?
Disney does not say how its 'responsible and reliable' source of supply will be monitored to avoid sharks slaughtered through finning and uncontrolled fishing practices. We have to wonder which criterion is more important: responsible or reliable?
In the context of Disney's commitment to youth and its public pronouncements of concern for the environment, easily accessible from its website, this decision smacks of the grossest hypocrisy. Does Disney's environmentalism apply only in America? Outside America, do 'different cultures' make environmentally unsound practices acceptable?
For Disney to offer leaflets to those ordering shark's fin, explaining 'environmental concerns', can be compared to a pharmacy offering rhino horn tablets and saying: 'We would like to point out that rhino are endangered, but the choice is yours'. We strongly urge Disney to reconsider this abhorrent decision.
E. A. BOHM, CEO, WWF Hong Kong