At the 19 th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP19) in 2022, the parties agreed to regulate trade in more than 50 species of requiem sharks threatened by the demand for shark fin soup, including blue, tiger, and bull sharks, as well as several species of hammerhead sharks and 37 species of guitarfish. At CoP18 in August 2019, 18 species of sharks and rays—including shortfin and longfin mako sharks, six species of guitarfish, and 10 species of wedgefish—were added to Appendix II, thus gaining some trade protections. Appendix II trade protections have previously been achieved for a number of shark and ray species, including basking and whale sharks in 2003; great white sharks in 2005; oceanic whitetip, smooth hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, great hammerhead, and porbeagle sharks, plus all species of manta rays, in 2014; and thresher and silky sharks and all species of mobula rays in 2017. Our FREE standard UK delivery, plus enhanced options such as 1st Class and Special Delivery, applies to all of the UK and Northern Ireland. International Delivery New measures from the UK Government to protect sharks from the cruel shark fin trade are welcomed by conservationists.

Some groups, such as Fins Attached, Shark Savers, IUCN, Shark Angels, Shark Whisperer and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, discourage consumption of the soup due to concerns with the world's shark population and how sharks are inhumanely finned alive and returned to the ocean, unable to swim, hunt or survive. The prevalence of shark finning and the sustainability of shark species are both debated. [44] [45] [46] As of 2011, major hotel operators such as Marriott International, The Peninsula Hotels and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts stopped serving shark fin soup in favor of offering sustainable seafood. [47] [48] The largest supermarket chains in Singapore– Cold Storage and NTUC FairPrice–have stopped selling shark fins, citing sustainability concerns. [49] Hong Kong Disneyland dropped the soup from its menu after it could not find a sustainable source. [50] Ernest Kao (21 December 2016). "Hongkongers don't like shark fin soup but don't want to offend their hosts". South China Morning Post . Retrieved 14 July 2021. In 2015, a seafood company from San Francisco was working on a variation of imitation shark fin using algae-derived ingredients and recombinant proteins. [80] Give em the Fin– A five-year campaign was completed after Sea SaveFoundation was able to get 20,000 shark advocates from around the world to unite and send a strong message that sharks are important and that shark finning is unsustainable. Participants held their hand above their head (symbolizing a shark fin), took a photograph and uploaded it to our online mosaic. SCUBA groups, celebrities, researchers in Antarctica, wedding parties, school groups and more all took this opportunity to raise their voices and say, “Sharks are important, we are important, stop the poaching.” With this tough ban on the import and export of shark fins now law, we are not only supporting the survival of these ancient creature but also sending a clear message the UK has zero tolerance for this wasteful and destructive trade.” Ali Hood, Director of Conservation at the Shark Trust, said:The UK is a global leader in marine protection, with our ‘blue belt’ programme protecting an area of ocean around British Overseas Territories the size of India, as well as plans to pilot Highly Protected Marine Areas in our domestic waters. The UK is also leading a global campaign, supported by over 80 countries, for at least 30% of the world’s land and ocean to be protected by 2030.”

Shark finning, the practice of removing a shark’s fins for culinary use, has a long and dark history. The primary use of the harvested shark fins is a traditional soup, favored in Chinese culture as a highly demanded delicacy. Smith, Lauren (10 March 2016). "Shark fin soup: a dangerous delicacy for humans and sharks alike". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited . Retrieved 6 May 2017. a b c d Denyer, Simon (19 October 2013). "In China, victory for wildlife conservation as citizens persuaded to give up shark fin soup". The Washington Post . Retrieved 23 October 2013. Shark fins are one of the defining characteristics of sharks. These fins have evolved over millions of years to help sharks maintain balance and maneuver through the water.In Canada, the Vancouver city council decided to work towards creating a ban to preserve shark species. [63] Toronto joined other regional municipalities in adopting a shark fin ban on 13 October 2011. [64] The Ontario Superior Court of Justice overturned the Toronto bylaw, as it was outside the powers of the city. [65] Calgary banned shark fin soup on 16 July 2012, [66] but in May 2013 shelved the bylaw indefinitely. [67] A 2016 poll from City University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Shark Foundation had 75% of local respondents saying they were "neutral" towards the soup at banquets, [40] while 90% of respondents said they would eat the dish if served to them, with the most popular justifications being to “avoid food waste” or to “show respect for their host”. [41]

Many species of shark face significant population pressures. Out of over 500 species of shark, 143 are listed as ‘under threat’ under the International Union for Conservation of Nature – with different species ranging from ‘vulnerable’ to ‘critically endangered’ . The presence and variety of sharks in marine areas acts as a key indicator for ocean health while the animals also play a vital role in marine ecosystems by helping to maintain healthy levels of fish below them in the food chain. Our Oceanic Programme is a wide-ranging advocacy effort which targets the conservation of oceanic sharks and rays. Supported the Private Member’s Bill currently before Parliament banning trade in detached shark fins. The fins are used to make shark fin soup, a delicacy in some cultures. This practice has a significant impact on the environment and the shark population. Environmental ImpactAdditionally, the negative publicity surrounding shark finning can harm the tourism industry in areas where shark diving is a popular attraction. How can we promote sustainable shark fishing practices? The ban will maintain the UK’s position as a world leader in protecting animal welfare restricting the import of and export of detached shark fins as well as products which contain shark fins including soup and other products. Animal Welfare minister Lord Goldsmith said: ChannelNewsAsia.com, Malaysian ministry bans shark's fin soup". Channel NewsAsia. 15 September 2007. Archived from the original on 17 March 2013 . Retrieved 1 November 2011.