Belgium (Brussels Morning newspaper) On this 8 June, as the world celebrates again World Oceans Day, it is important to shine a light on a pressing issue that also threatens the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems: shark fin trade. Although the European Union (EU) has taken a commendable step by forbidding the cruel practice of shark finning, which involves removing fins and discarding the rest of the shark back into the sea, it has yet to ban the actual trade of shark fins. Allowing this trade to continue raises serious questions about the EU’s commitment and efforts to safeguard shark populations.
The trade of shark fins undeniably perpetuates the demand for these “valuable commodities”. This trade primarily exists due to demand from East Asian countries, particularly China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. These have traditionally been major importers and consumers of shark fins. In 2020, the EU made up for 45% of fins exported to the Asian markets. Despite the growing recognition of the detrimental impact of shark finning on shark populations, the continuation of the fin trade poses a significant threat. By allowing the trade to persist, the EU fuels the demand for shark fins and prolongs unsustainable fishing practices.
It is possible to ban this trade as the United States has demonstrated: in 2022, the U.S. federal government implemented a ban on the trade of shark fins, joining over a dozen U.S. states that had already taken similar measures. This proactive approach sends a powerful message about the country’s commitment to marine conservation and I believe that the EU should now do the same.
Banning the trade of shark fins is crucial for the preservation of shark populations. Sharks play a vital role in maintaining the health of our oceans. As predators at the top of the marine food chain (aka apex predators), they regulate the balance of marine ecosystems by controlling the population of prey species. Their disappearance could trigger a domino effect, leading to imbalances that disturb the entire food web and deteriorate the resilience of marine habitats.
Furthermore, sharks can be an invaluable asset in combatting climate change. It might sound surprising at first, but researchers have shown that healthy shark populations contribute to carbon sequestration by preserving seagrass beds and coral reefs, which act as powerful carbon sinks. Protecting sharks means safeguarding these vital ecosystems and enhancing their capacity to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Therefore, the preservation of sharks actually cuts carbon emissions and weakens climate change.
The growing concern among citizens regarding the trade of shark fins has become increasingly apparent, with calls for a ban echoing throughout Europe. This sentiment has been clearly expressed through the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), “Stop Finning – Stop the Trade”, submitted to the European Commission and presented to the European Parliament, where over one million citizens demanded immediate action to halt the trade. Their voices carry weight and deserve our attention. It is crucial that the EU listens to the concerns of citizens and responds with decisive measures to protect shark populations and preserve the health of our oceans. Unfortunately, in the European Parliament, in particular, many Spanish Members from the bigger political groups prefer to ignore citizens and science to protect their large-scale fisheries industry. Unsurprisingly, Spain has the largest market for shark meat and is the leading nation for shark fishing in Europe (followed by Portugal).
On this World Oceans Day, it is imperative that the EU stops being held hostage by a few Member States and their fishing industry lobbies. It must take swift action to ban the trade of shark fins and demonstrate its global leadership in protecting the oceans and preserving the diversity of marine life. Such a step would strongly contribute to the long-term survival of shark populations and send a message of hope for the future of our planet’s oceans. We must remember that the health of our oceans is intimately linked to our own well-being. On this World Oceans Day, let us once again call on the EU to ban the trade of shark fins and pave the way for a sustainable future where sharks thrive and our oceans flourish.
