Every year, in oceans around the world, tens of millions of sharks are hunted to meet the demand for shark fin soup, an East Asian dish which is traditionally served at weddings or New Year celebrations. You can help stop the killing: Take our No Shark Fin Soup pledge.
Shark fin soup is cruel and wasteful. Fins removed, the animals are thrown back into the water to die slowly and painfully.
Finning is not only inhumane; it allows sharks to be caught in unsustainable numbers. Apex predators, sharks play an essential role in marine ecosystems. Shark finning endangers their survival—and that of the species that rely on them. In addition, shark fin has been shown to contain dangerous levels of mercury.
HSI is reaching out to the public, restaurants and other businesses to educate people about this issue. Raising awareness is key; many say they never realized what impact their consumption had on the environment.
News
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January 17, 2012
HSI Statement on Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Shark Fin Ban
In January 2012, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts announced its “Sustainable Seafood Policy” and discontinued use of all shark fin products.
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December 8, 2011
HSI Canada Commends Proposed Federal Ban on Shark Fin Imports
HSI Canada applauded the Honourable Fin Donnelly for introducing federal legislation that would amend the Fish Inspection Act to prohibit the import of shark fins into Canada.
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November 21, 2011
HSI Commends European Commission for its Proposal to End Shark Finning
HSI Europe applauds the European Commission for adopting a strong draft legislative proposal on shark finning. The new legislation would ensure that all sharks caught by EU vessels anywhere in the world must be landed with their fins naturally attached to their carcasses, without exception.
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October 26, 2011
HSI Canada Applauds City of Toronto for Landmark Ban on Shark Fin Trade
HSI Canada applauds the historic decision by the Toronto City Council to ban the possession, sale, trade and distribution of shark fins and their byproducts within the Toronto City limits. The move comes on the heels of similar prohibitions that have recently been passed in the cities of Brantford, Mississauga and Oakville.