Marine Animals

Shark Fin Trade Welfare

Shark finning involves removing fins from live sharks and discarding the body; finning bans and trade restrictions address this severe welfare issue.

Key Facts

Shark finning involves removing fins from live sharks which then drown
Over 73 million sharks are killed for fins annually
Fins are the primary ingredient in shark fin soup, a luxury dish in parts of Asia
The EU banned finning at sea in 2013 requiring fins attached to landed sharks
Consumer campaigns have significantly reduced demand in some markets

Welfare Considerations

Shark finning represents an extreme welfare violation - removing fins from living animals who are then thrown overboard to drown slowly. Even where finning at sea is banned, the high volume of sharks killed for fins creates welfare impacts during capture, on-board handling, and slaughter. Reducing demand for shark fin products is one of the most direct welfare interventions available to consumers.

What You Can Do

Refuse to consume shark fin soup or other shark fin products
Support organisations campaigning for global shark finning bans
Advocate for complete shark fin trade bans rather than finning-at-sea restrictions
Choose sustainable seafood from fisheries with low shark bycatch
Share information about shark finning welfare impacts in your community