【明報專訊】There has been long-standing controversy over the consumption of shark fins. By Chinese tradition, shark fins are regarded as a valuable food of nourishment and a staple of important occasions such as wedding banquets. Businesses selling shark fins do not believe all sharks are endangered and it is unnecessary to issue a blanket ban on shark fins. But some academics have published studies showing the severity of the catching of sharks, which endangers the ecological system. They recommend a ban on the sale of shark fins.

Background

The Hong Kong government enforces the stipulations of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora through the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. As of July 2018, the Ordinance listed eight species of sharks the import and export of which has to be accompanied by a valid permit in accordance with the Convention. In mid-September 2018, a thesis was published in Marine Policy, a prestigious journal, which stated that the overall catch of sharks had doubled from the 1960s to 1.4 million tonnes.

■Points of view

A tradition that is here to stay

Most banquets still feature dishes with shark fins, as people of the older generation and guests regard them as ''grander''. Shark fins imported from overseas are increasingly expensive, and the cooking of them involves complex procedures. After the costs to prepare such dishes are factored in, the profit margin is narrow. However, as traditions are difficult to change, it is difficult to stop the sale of all kinds of shark fins.—— Wong Ka Wo, chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants & Related Trades Limited

Not all shark species are regulated

Our industry is the victim of a smear campaign launched by environmentalists. They make citizens think erroneously that all kinds of sharks are endangered species. But in fact, shark fins used in most banquets held in restaurants come from Blue Sharks. This species is not regulated and can be sold freely. Environmentalists suggest that all kinds of shark fins be banned. They are overbearing and unfair to the industry.——Ho Siu Chai, chairman of Shark Fin Trade Merchants Association

Catching has changed body shapes of fish

Since the catching of sharks has dwindled their numbers, many fish have lost their natural enemies. Their eyes and tails, which they use for detecting predators and fleeing, have shrunk in size as a result. This might affect the ecological system and the food chain.—— Neil Hammerschlag, Research Associate Professor at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science and Abess Center for Ecosystem Science & Policy

Shark fins are

not as nutritious as fish

Shark fins are exalted as a top food, but they are not of any special nutritional value. They contain mainly collagen, which is a kind of incomplete protein. So they are not as good as fish, which contains complete protein.——Dr Jason Kwok(郭詠觀醫生)

◆Points of conflict (see table)

Text: Ming Pao reporter

Translation: Terence Yip

[通通識 第585期]