Tuesday, January 7, 2014

How to ban shark finning

Since the New Year is fast approaching, you have to start it by doing something good and making sure that you are able to help in making sure that the coming year will be something great not just for you, but for other inhabitants of the earth, as well. One of the ways that this could happen is by helping to ban shark finning. Get involved. 


Why do people like to harvest sharks’ fins, anyway? Here are some reasons why:
  • To make shark fin soup, a popular Chinese dish that is often served in banquets and weddings. It is believed that shark fins are symbolic to wealth, honor and prosperity.
  • Shark fins can be sold as dried fish products.
  • Shark fins can also be used as toppings or ingredients to dumplings, and other Chinese dishes.

But, no matter what people say, and whatever these traditions may be, the fact that people hurt sharks just so they can use their fins for food is very unethical. It is a threat not just to the lives of sharks, but to people, as well. Why is that, though? Here’s what you should know:

  • Sharks do not have the capacity to excrete the dirt and toxins that they have accumulated by eating fish and other things that may have been thrown in the sea. In fact, these toxins and waste materials may stay in their bodies for as long as 50 to 100 years. Therefore, it means that these dirty substances are still in their bodies and you are prone to getting them, too, by eating the body parts of sharks.
  • Sharks are prone to absorbing Methyl-Mercury through ocean volatization, which is one of the most dangerous substances in the world because it comes from anaerobic organisms that live in oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers. Methyl-Mercury is harmful to people who are prone to allergies, and to pregnant women, as well.

How can you help?

Start the New Year right by making sure that you get to help sharks out. Here are some of the things that you can do to ban shark finning:
  • Sign Petitions. While it may seem like an invaluable thing, it could actually help out in any cause because it is able to get people’s attention and it is a sign that many people believe that it is important to ban shark finning.
  • Do not patronize shark fin soup, and other products made with shark fin. Because if many people do not eat shark fin soup and other shark fin products, then it means that putting sharks’ lives in danger would be for nothing, and it could be a big wake up call for those who are in the business of finning sharks.
  • Join Environmental Activist Groups that work for the benefit of sharks. This way, you can be sure that you’re working for the same cause and that sooner or later, sharks will be free from harm.

One small step could cause a lot of positive things to happen. Start the year right by helping sharks out.