I refer to the letters from E. A. Bohm, CEO of WWF Hong Kong (June 10 and 12). We would be more than happy to work with the World Wide Fund for Nature, other conservation groups and government to ensure that sharks do not become endangered or extinct.
Mr Bohm is right that we have every reason to do so, not only because of business. We have a stake in our oceans and are parents, too.
As for 'finning', I have already explained why it is irrational, dangerous and totally unnecessary to do this when the shark is alive. The fisheries committee of the World Conservation Trust Foundation said to expect 'a highly emotion-charged emphasis on 'shark-finning', replete with graphic depictions of live sharks stripped of their fins, their still-living bodies dumped into the sea. While such a grotesque and wasteful practice should draw broad contempt, its use by organisations is misleading, even to the extent that it tightropes the boundary between sensationalism and racial and cultural bigotry'.
The committee adds: 'The inference is that 'finning' is widespread among all shark species and that the main culprits are Asian fishermen and Asian nations. Such implied stereotyping flies in the face of Asia's cultural heritage. Waste of shark parts is unheard of in these nations. Incidents of shark 'finning' are largely confined to the highly numerous blue sharks, and appear to be confined to individuals who would violate any legal prohibitions.'
Mr Bohm cites the presence of legislation against 'finning' internationally as proof that it is common practice. This is definitely not so. In Hong Kong, we have laws against crimes from armed robbery and rape to corruption. This does not mean these are common practices. However, we welcome legislation against 'finning' live sharks.