Wildlife

Shark Welfare and the Shark Fin Trade

Tens of millions of sharks are killed annually for their fins, with finning causing prolonged drowning suffering as de-finned animals are returned to the ocean.

Key Facts

Up to 100 million sharks are killed annually with fins a primary driver
Shark finning involves cutting fins and discarding the living body at sea
De-finned sharks drown slowly as they cannot swim to maintain respiration
Over 100 shark species are threatened by overfishing including for fins
Shark fin soup demand remains high in parts of Asia despite declining trends

Welfare Considerations

Finning causes one of the most prolonged documented forms of marine animal suffering. De-finned sharks take hours to die as they suffocate while sinking to the ocean floor. Even species caught whole for fins experience significant stress during longline or net capture. Sharks are now recognized as cognitively complex animals capable of learning, making their suffering more significant.

What You Can Do

Avoid consuming shark fin products
Support campaigns for comprehensive shark finning bans
Donate to shark conservation organizations
Advocate for stronger CITES protections for vulnerable shark species
Engage with restaurants and hotels on commitments to remove shark fin from menus