Shark Finning Welfare: Cruelty, Conservation, and Consumer Action

Shark finning — removing fins from live sharks and discarding the bodies at sea — causes both severe welfare harm and threatens shark populations globally.

Key Facts

An estimated 73-100 million sharks are killed annually, primarily for the fin trade
Finning involves cutting fins from living sharks, which then drown or are eaten alive by other fish
Shark populations have declined over 70% globally since 1970, with many species now facing extinction risk
The European Union banned shark finning in 2013 requiring fins naturally attached when landed
Consumer demand for shark fin soup primarily in China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia drives the global trade
Sharks play critical ecological roles as apex predators regulating ocean ecosystem health

Welfare Considerations

Shark finning is among the most welfare-compromising fishing practices in widespread use globally. The practice involves conscious sharks being thrown back into the ocean to drown, suffocate, or be consumed — experiencing suffering of unknown duration but certain severity. The conservation dimension compounds the welfare harm: shark population collapses caused by finning alter entire ocean ecosystems, affecting millions of species. Consumer behavior — declining shark fin soup — combined with regulatory bans and supply chain traceability requirements represent the most effective combination of tools for addressing this practice.

What You Can Do

Never consume shark fin soup or products containing shark fin
Support WildAid, Shark Allies, and similar organizations working to reduce shark fin demand
Advocate for fins-naturally-attached regulations in countries without existing shark finning bans
Choose seafood that does not include shark and verify that sustainable seafood labels cover shark fin trade practices