‘Imagine eating a panda’: Wildlife campaigners urge Hongkongers to give up shark fin as animals face extinction
Shark’s fin soup, considered a symbol of wealth, has been a mainstay of the Chinese wedding banquet for hundreds of years, but the tradition is contributing to the deaths of 73 million sharks annually
Consuming shark fin is almost like “eating a panda”, wildlife campaigners say, referring to the animals’ vulnerable conservation status, as they urge Hongkongers to stop eating the delicacy.
Some endangered shark species being imported illegally into the city could be extinct in less than two decades, they stress, while experts emphasise sharks are vital for maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.
Shark’s fin soup, considered a symbol of wealth, has been a mainstay of the Chinese wedding banquet for hundreds of years, but the tradition is contributing to the deaths of 73 million sharks annually.
Scientists also suggest that eating it has no medicinal or health benefits, and could be harmful because of the levels of mercury and dangerous toxins it contains.
Hong Kong Shark Foundation spokesman Prentice Koo said local consumers, as well as traders, had an ethical responsibility to stop buying shark fin.