What for?

In recent years, shark poaching has become more of a problem for a variety of species of shark, thanks to the popularity of shark fin soup. This is especially evident in the Pacific countries where the shark fin soup has become a sign of affluence. Combined with the belief shark fins and jaws have supposed medicinal uses in certain cultures, sharks have become a growing target for a way to earn a quick dollar.

Shark poaching is a concern because it goes hand in hand with the future of sharks and their place on top of the aquatic food chain. Sharks have survived over 450.000.000 years and within the last 100 years, humans have killed almost 90% of the entire shark population. Over 50% of the Oceanic species of shark is being threatened with extinction. The affects of extinction of certain shark species can be seen on the marine ecosystem and how when the top predators are removed, the oceanic ecosystem degrades due to the imbalance.

I saw the movie Sharkwater a couple of months ago and it really made me think. I had to turn away in some scenes because it was just awful how inhuman people can be. Everyone should see it and I hope that the people who have the power, will do something about shark poaching because our whole eco-system depends on it!

Dried shark fins in Port Blair on the Andaman Islands, India.

Dead sharks on on the daily menu at Mahachai market in Bangkok, Thailand.

Dried shark fins at a market in Guangzhou, China.

Dead sharks at a local market in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.