China, Japan thwart US-led shark finning ban proposal, leaving conservationists fuming

At a recent meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) in Limassol, Cyprus, a proposal to strengthen the ban on shark finning was blocked by China and Japan, despite widespread support from other countries. The proposal aimed to ensure that sharks are brought to shore with their fins attached, which would help stop the cruel practice of shark finning.

What is shark finning?

Shark finning is the practice of catching sharks, cutting off their fins and then throwing the shark back into the ocean. The fins are often used in shark fin soup, a delicacy in some cultures. The practice is harmful as the shark, left without its fins, usually dies from the trauma or because it cannot swim properly.

The proposal and its support

The proposal, presented by the US, Belize and Brazil, was backed by 42 out of 52 ICCAT members, including many countries from the European Union and the UK. It called for a rule that would require sharks to be landed with their fins naturally attached, which would make it harder for shark finning to happen.

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However, China and Japan—two of the largest markets for shark fins—refused to support the plan. This blocked the proposal, which needed unanimous consent to pass.

A rare move to vote

In a rare move, Belize called for a vote to bypass the requirement for unanimity. Despite this, at the end of the eight-day meeting, the proposal was still shelved.

Sonja Fordham, president of Shark Advocates International, expressed her frustration with the outcome, telling Politico: “I’m deeply, deeply disappointed,” she said, emphasising that the proposal failed “despite support from an unprecedented coalition of countries.” Fordham also spoke to Undercurrent News, stating: “We are exasperated that a strong, enforceable shark finning ban has once again been blocked by essentially two countries, despite overwhelming support and clear scientific advice.”

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Reactions from conservationists

Conservationists have long campaigned against shark finning due to its devastating effects on shark populations. Fordham highlighted the scientific evidence that supports stronger protections for sharks and criticised the decision to block the proposal.

Global efforts to end shark finning

Shark finning has been a target of global conservation efforts for years. The European Union introduced rules in 1993 to require sharks to be landed with their fins attached. The US followed in 2000 with the Shark Finning Prohibition Act, which was later expanded in 2010. Other countries, including those in the Pacific Islands Forum and the Bahamas, have also enacted similar bans.

Despite these efforts, the global shark fin trade remains a significant issue, with China and Japan continuing to resist stronger measures. Conservationists are now calling for renewed action to protect sharks and marine ecosystems.