Shark Finning: Welfare and Conservation

Shark finning — removing fins from live sharks and discarding the body at sea — is one of the most welfare-egregious practices in commercial fishing, causing immense suffering while driving the decline of apex predators critical to ocean health.

Key Facts

An estimated 73-100 million sharks are killed annually, with finning a major contributor in many fisheries
Finned sharks are typically still alive when returned to the sea, where they drown or are eaten by other predators
Shark fins are the primary ingredient in shark fin soup, a Chinese luxury food; demand has declined following awareness campaigns
Many countries have banned shark finning, but fins-attached policies are needed to prevent laundering of fins from finned sharks
Sharks have slow reproductive rates; population recovery from fishing pressure can take decades, making conservation critical

Welfare Considerations

Shark finning causes acute and prolonged suffering — sharks remain conscious and capable of suffering as they slowly drown or die from predation following finning. It also drives the rapid decline of species with ecological keystone roles in marine ecosystems. Fins-attached landing requirements, combined with strong monitoring and international trade restrictions, are the most effective policy tools. Consumer-level demand reduction through awareness of shark fin soup origins is a complementary intervention.

What You Can Do

Avoid consuming shark fin soup or products containing shark fin at restaurants or events
Support organisations campaigning for fins-attached policies in international and domestic fisheries law
Engage restaurants and hotels that serve shark fin soup through respectful but firm consumer feedback
Donate to shark conservation organisations working on finning legislation and enforcement in key fisheries countries