Why a ban on transporting all shark fin remains the best way to revive threatened species

Globally, a shocking quarter of sharks and related species are threatened with extinction, a result of the human appetite for shark fin and other products.

Hong Kong is a major trading hub for shark fin, with most of the fins imported by sea, rather than air. Thus, the announcement last month by 16 global shipping companies to ban the carriage of shark fin is a key step to significantly reduce its trade in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong green group targets shippers in fight against shark fin

Unlike many other marine species for which sustainable alternatives exist, there is a dearth of sustainable shark products. Even with efforts to improve shark fisheries worldwide, it is impossible for sustainable alternatives to cater to the huge demand that exists. Any shark products that claim to be from sustainable sources need to be fully traceable along the entire supply chain to ensure there is no fraud. Thus, the safest option for conservation is not to consume or trade shark fin at all.

It is not hard to understand why shipping companies have joined more than 20 airlines – including, now, Cathay Pacific – in banning the transport of shark fin. Aside from the environmental concerns, companies involved in the trade expose themselves to legal and reputational risks. Even though the trade in a few products derived from sharks is permitted and some regulation is in place, shipping companies feel the stakes are simply too high to continue as before; it is virtually impossible to differentiate between legal and illegal shark fins.

Hong Kong airlines Cathay Pacific and Dragonair impose total ban on carriage of shark fin

Added to the ever-increasing public awareness of the consequences of consuming shark products, the shipping ban bodes well for the recovery of shark populations worldwide.