Sharks: The Oldest Species on the Planet Facing Extinction Due to Overfishing

Sharks are one of the oldest species on the planet, with some estimates suggesting that they have been around for over 400 million years. However, their numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate due to overfishing. Every year, up to 70 million sharks are killed for their fins, which are highly valued in certain cultures. This has led to a drastic decline in shark populations, with many species facing the risk of extinction by the end of this century.

The demand for shark fins is particularly high in China, where they are considered a luxury item and are often served at special occasions such as weddings and business meetings. The fin soup is estimated to be worth around £90, which is a significant amount of money. Despite the high value, many sharks are still killed and their bodies thrown back into the sea, often while still alive.

The global trade in shark fins is a complex issue that involves various countries and individuals. There is no clear regulation of this trade, which means that it can be difficult to track where the fins are coming from and how they are being used. The lack of regulation has led to a proliferation of finning, which is the practice of removing the fins from a shark and discarding the rest of the body at sea.

The consequences of overfishing sharks are far-reaching and devastating. Not only do sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our oceans, but they also provide a source of income for many communities that depend on fishing. The decline of shark populations has significant economic and social implications for these communities.

Shark fin soup is not just a luxury item; it is also a cultural phenomenon in some parts of Asia. In China, for example, shark fin soup is considered a delicacy and is often served at special occasions. However, the practice of serving shark fin soup has been criticized by many due to its wastefulness and cruelty.

In London's Chinatown, shark fin soup can be found on menus in some restaurants, particularly those that cater to Chinese customers. The dish may be easy to find, but it is not always available for sale without a problem. Some restaurant owners have reported being hesitant to serve shark fin soup due to the criticism and pressure from animal welfare organizations.

One of the most dangerous sharks in the world is also one of the most sought-after for its fins. However, very few people know what type of shark is used to make the soup. The fishmonger behind the counter was reluctant to answer questions about the type of shark and its origin, suggesting that there may be a level of nervousness or discomfort associated with discussing shark fin soup.

The price of shark fin soup can vary greatly depending on the location and the vendor. In some restaurants, the dish can cost as much as £980, which is an outrageous amount for a soup made from the fins of a shark. The high price is reflective of the luxury item that it is considered to be in some cultures.

In conclusion, sharks are facing a significant threat due to overfishing and the demand for their fins. The global trade in shark fins is complex and lacks clear regulation, which has led to widespread finning and the destruction of many shark populations. While shark fin soup may be considered a luxury item in some parts of the world, it is also a source of cruelty and wastefulness.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: ensharks are one of the oldest species on the planet but over fishing means these magnificent creatures could be extinct by the end of this Century every year up to 70 million sharks are killed for their fins Jesus Christ there's bucket loads of them many of their bodies are thrown back into the sea often still alive there must be thousands of them here it's all for one dish shark fin soup £90 for that yes I'm going to investigate this wasteful and cruel practice Jesus that's pretty big hello I want to confront the people behind this global trade about who's regulating this there are more fins there are sharks and I'm going to come face to face with one of the most dangerous sharks on the planet once the reserve of the elite in China shark fin soup is now available all over the world sharp soup with crab Meats even here on our own doorstep in London's Chinatown uh starters oh there you go Shar fin with shredded chicken soup Shar fin with crab meat soup £980 well the dish may be easy to find but if you bring up the subject of shark fins it's a different story have you got one minute please could I just ask a quick question about the shin soup please no s no no no C excuse me okay relax there's a level of I don't know they agitated when you start asking questions about it because they're yeah nervous clearly because they're they're uncomfortable I think I want to see if I can get my hands on some fins how are you I'm looking for some shark fin what the the lady we show you on it just um please it's for a special uh hello at the moment we are stop I had a friend a couple of weeks ago came in and said you've got one behind the counter oh yeah those were very small right here right here where are they where oh they there I can show you but those one is not really night anyway can I have a quick look okay I show you night that's don't one to S to you sorry so you lock it away yeah of course yeah we only got this one left Jesus I think not wow do you know what shark that is what kind of shark I don't know no know only one type of Shar it only one type of Shar no there's about 480 different species really yeah so how much does it cost £79 54 so9 so just8 80 God is expensive yeah I told you there's a lot of money to be made I'm not surprised people are so guardedsharks are one of the oldest species on the planet but over fishing means these magnificent creatures could be extinct by the end of this Century every year up to 70 million sharks are killed for their fins Jesus Christ there's bucket loads of them many of their bodies are thrown back into the sea often still alive there must be thousands of them here it's all for one dish shark fin soup £90 for that yes I'm going to investigate this wasteful and cruel practice Jesus that's pretty big hello I want to confront the people behind this global trade about who's regulating this there are more fins there are sharks and I'm going to come face to face with one of the most dangerous sharks on the planet once the reserve of the elite in China shark fin soup is now available all over the world sharp soup with crab Meats even here on our own doorstep in London's Chinatown uh starters oh there you go Shar fin with shredded chicken soup Shar fin with crab meat soup £980 well the dish may be easy to find but if you bring up the subject of shark fins it's a different story have you got one minute please could I just ask a quick question about the shin soup please no s no no no C excuse me okay relax there's a level of I don't know they agitated when you start asking questions about it because they're yeah nervous clearly because they're they're uncomfortable I think I want to see if I can get my hands on some fins how are you I'm looking for some shark fin what the the lady we show you on it just um please it's for a special uh hello at the moment we are stop I had a friend a couple of weeks ago came in and said you've got one behind the counter oh yeah those were very small right here right here where are they where oh they there I can show you but those one is not really night anyway can I have a quick look okay I show you night that's don't one to S to you sorry so you lock it away yeah of course yeah we only got this one left Jesus I think not wow do you know what shark that is what kind of shark I don't know no know only one type of Shar it only one type of Shar no there's about 480 different species really yeah so how much does it cost £79 54 so9 so just8 80 God is expensive yeah I told you there's a lot of money to be made I'm not surprised people are so guarded\n"