The fin.
By: Emma Carlton
The Fin: A Symbol of Fear and Survival
For centuries, the sight of a dorsal fin cutting through the water has struck fear into the hearts of humans. But this fear isn’t instinctual—it’s conditioned. Fueled by decades of media portrayals and sensationalized stories, the fin has become a symbol of danger rather than the remarkable biological feature it truly is. What if we told you this fin, essential for a shark’s survival, is the very thing driving one of the most devastating marine practices in the world—shark finning?
Sharks rely on their dorsal fin for stability in the water, helping them navigate and maintain balance as apex predators in our oceans. This evolutionary marvel is critical not just for the shark but for the health of marine ecosystems. Yet, for a bowl of soup, millions of sharks lose their fins each year—needlessly and cruelly.
The Cruelty of Shark Finning
Shark finning is as horrific as it is wasteful. Fishermen capture sharks, often from highly depleted populations, cut off their fins, and throw the still-living animals back into the ocean. Without their fins, sharks are unable to swim, sinking to the ocean floor to suffocate or be eaten by other predators. It’s a slow, agonizing death for an animal that plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
The numbers are staggering: between 73 million and 100 million sharks are killed annually for their fins alone (Worm et al., 2013). This practice is driven by the high demand for shark fin soup, a luxury item in many countries that offers no nutritional or health benefits. Despite common myths, shark fins contain no magical properties and are composed primarily of cartilage, offering no more health value than eating a spoonful of gelatin.
The Impact on Our Oceans
The loss of millions of sharks every year isn’t just an animal welfare issue—it’s an ecological crisis. Sharks are apex predators, regulating populations of fish and maintaining the health of coral reefs and seagrass beds. Without them, marine ecosystems can collapse in a domino effect known as a trophic cascade. For example, fewer sharks mean unchecked populations of mid-level predators, which overgraze on herbivorous fish. This imbalance can lead to algae overgrowth, smothering coral reefs and disrupting ecosystems that countless marine species depend on.
Some studies have found that more than three-quarters of oceanic shark species are now threatened with extinction, driven primarily by overfishing and the shark fin trade (Dulvy et al., 2014; UN Biodiversity Council, 2019). Once abundant species like the shortfin mako shark and scalloped hammerhead are now critically endangered, teetering on the brink of disappearance.
Sharks and Us: A Misguided Relationship
The demand for shark fins is rooted in tradition, but its continued existence defies reason. Shark fin soup has long been a status symbol in parts of Asia, served at weddings and banquets to signify wealth. Yet, awareness campaigns and scientific studies have debunked the myths surrounding shark fins’ supposed health benefits. They contain high levels of mercury, which can harm human health, and offer no nutritional advantages over other foods.
The fin trade is not only cruel but also secretive, making regulation nearly impossible. Fins are often harvested illegally, with high-profit margins driving overfishing and targeting even protected species. Despite international efforts like the CITES Appendix II listing, which regulates trade in endangered species, enforcement remains weak, and demand continues to fuel this brutal industry.
What Can We Do?
Stopping the shark fin trade requires action at every level—from policy changes to individual choices. Here’s how you can help:
Support Legislation
Push for laws banning the trade and sale of shark fins. Countries like Canada and 14 U.S. states have already implemented bans, but global cooperation is essential to make a lasting impact.Avoid Shark Products
Refuse to consume or purchase any products made from sharks, including shark fin soup and shark cartilage supplements.Choose Sustainable Seafood
Overfishing indirectly impacts sharks by depleting their prey. Opt for sustainably sourced seafood and support fisheries with transparent practices.Spread Awareness
Many people don’t realize the cruelty and ecological damage behind shark finning. Share this knowledge with others to shift public perception and reduce demand.Support Conservation Efforts
Organizations working to protect sharks rely on donations and public support to fund research, advocacy, and marine protected areas.
A Future Without Fins
Imagine a world without sharks. Coral reefs would deteriorate, fish populations would spiral out of control, and the intricate web of marine life would unravel. The extinction of sharks isn’t just a loss for the ocean—it’s a loss for humanity. Sharks have existed for over 400 million years, surviving mass extinctions and evolving into one of nature’s most efficient predators. To lose them now, due to greed and misinformation, would be a failure of epic proportions.
At Deep Blue Eco Tours, we’re committed to changing the narrative around sharks. Through education, sustainable tourism, and firsthand encounters, we aim to replace fear with fascination and inspire action to protect these incredible animals. Diving with sharks in their natural habitat reveals their true nature—not as mindless killers, but as essential guardians of the ocean.
The fin is not a symbol of fear. It’s a symbol of survival—both for sharks and the ecosystems they protect. Let’s ensure it stays that way. Together, we can turn the tide on the shark fin trade and safeguard our oceans for generations to come.
Resources:
Worm, B., et al. (2013). Global catches, exploitation rates, and rebuilding options for sharks. Marine Policy.
Dulvy, N. K., et al. (2014). Extinction risk and conservation of the world’s sharks and rays. eLife.
UN Biodiversity Council (2019). Report on the State of Marine Biodiversity.
Photo: Meg Cowley (@megcowley3)
