SEATTLE, Washington (23 Feb 2001) -- Last year, sharks attacked 79 people. During the same period, humans slaughtered over 100 million sharks. Shark populations around the world are now in danger of collapse as fishing industries that have overfished other edible fish stocks turn to shark fishing for the huge profits generated by the increasing demand for shark fin soup. The price for fins has climbed to over $80 per pound and shark fishing, much of it illegal, is now a global problem. In marine eco reserves like the Galapagos and Cocos Island where sharks are protected, illegal fishing for shark fins generates huge profits that can buy protection from local authorities. "It's very profitable and has created a mafia here. But it is very difficult to stop and it can cause corruption in our institutions," explained Eliecer Cruz of the Galapagos National Park Service. The demand for shark fin soup is strongest in densely populated cities throughout Asia where status conscious consumers pay $150 or more for one bowl of soup. While dead sharks generate huge profits, a living shark is worth far more at travel destinations that attract divers. | |
Scientists have called for government action to protect sharks, but the problem is similar to controlling drug trafficking. Conservationists fear that unless demand is reduced by educating consumers to say "No" to shark fin soup, fishers will continue to cash in on the huge profits generated by finning. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
