The increasing unacceptability of ordering shark fin, once a potent status symbol, is a good thing. It's like the campaign against furs in the West, where the wearing of furs went from being a sign of class and sophistication to being the province exclusively of the gauche and vulgar. But given the continuing and massive fishing crisis worldwide, concentrating on shark fin alone is like saving a favorite portrait when your house is on fire.

It reminds me of the anti-fox hunting movement in the UK. Fox hunting is a pointless cruelty pursued by fools, sure. But it drew massive attention and effort that neglected far more serious and enormous issues, like factory farming, partially because it was seen as the domain of a snobbish upper class. Equally, shark fin is targeted as much for its role as a status symbol as for its environmental impact.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, during which industrial fishing methods came into full scope worldwide, global fish stocks have plummeted by anywhere between 70 and 90 percent. Overfishing has depleted many areas, forcing fishermen to roam further and further in search of new waters. Meanwhile, global fish consumption keeps rising, doubling in the last 50 years.

Fish is the primary source of protein for a sixth of the world's population, but unless drastic action is taken, global fish stocks are headed for disaster. We also face the prospect of mass extinction; many species' numbers are being driven below the point of sustainability. And each loss puts other species at risk. 

This requires sustained global cooperation to impose and strictly enforce global quotas, and even moratoriums, that can give the oceans time to recover. Subsidies for fishing should be slashed, sustainable fish farms promoted, and fishermen encouraged and supported to move into other professions.

Against this background of looming catastrophe, concern for sharks, however laudable, is ultimately secondary. Pressure should be being put on governments to tackle the fishing crisis, not just to end one small, cruel trade.



The author is a copy editor with the Global Times. jamespalmer@globaltimes.com.cn