tribune242 editorial
MELISSA Maura, an ardent protector of all God's helpless creatures -- from birds to sharks - horrified that sharks in our waters will soon be targeted for shark fin soup, has launched an e-mail petition to ban their killing. She is also against the harvesting of the sea cucumber and sea urchin "as this will really damage our heritage and ecosystem."
So if anyone wants to have a say in preventing the introduction of this much talked of enterprise to the Bahamas, they can sign her petition.
International organisations and local conservation groups are already rallying their forces to save the sharks from this cruel slaughter.
Sharks, over fished internationally to satisfy this billion dollar industry, have been relatively safe in Bahamian waters. However, the Bahamas has no legislation to ensure their continued protection.
The Bahamas National Trust (BNT), in partnership with the Pew Environment Group, is now pushing for such legislation.
"The BNT wants to further secure the future of all shark populations in the Bahamas by establishing legislation that fully protects these important species and will make Bahamian waters a shark sanctuary," said shark campaign manager Shelley Cant.
It is estimated that between 38 to 100 million sharks are killed annually for their fins. It is a particularly cruel enterprise.
Giam Choo Hoo, the longest serving member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Animals denies that sharks are killed only for their fins. He maintains that the fins are taken from them after they are dead. However, there are researchers who dispute this statement. Their examination of data shows that between 26-73 million sharks are killed every year just for their fins. It is claimed that this figure is three times higher than the official Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates.
According to researchers "finning" -- or cutting off fins from living sharks -- is the usual practice in the industry.
After the shark has been caught and his fins cut off, because there is little value in his meat, he is thrown back into the ocean, still alive. There he either dies from suffocation or is eaten because he is unable to move normally. There are reports that because of the huge profits, organised crime has infiltrated the industry. There are also medical concerns, because of the high level of toxic mercury that scientists claim has been found in the fins.
According to Wikipedia Hong Kong Disneyland has joined those banning shark fin soup from its menus.
It is reported that the delicacy was banned from Disneyland's wedding banquets menu after international pressure from environment groups threatened to boycott its parks world wide despite the high demand for the delicacy in China. The University of Hong Kong has also banned shark fin on campus.
But man, greedy for the financial returns, and those hungry for the delicacy that tickles their pallets, will continue to argue that the ocean has a never ending supply of sharks. This group will certainly keep up the fight for the continuation of finning. However, the Bahamas government has now to step up to the plate and protect our waters from this menace.
September 14, 2010
tribune242 editorial
An International Caribbean Online Log about the news and opinions in the Americas and World. This Caribbean Blog of global reach and appeal is maintained by Bahamian Blogger - Dennis Dames with all readers and subscribers in mind.
