Shark finning removes fins from living sharks and discards the body at sea; the practice is inhumane and ecologically destructive.
Finning subjects sharks to a prolonged and terrifying death from drowning and blood loss after removal of fins while still alive. The ecological consequences of removing apex predators affect the entire marine food web. International bans and consumer campaigns have reduced but not eliminated the practice. Demand reduction through cultural change and import bans are most effective.