Even then, implementation isnot always effective: Six out of the
20 nations have no breakdown of
shark species when they are landed:
Only eight provide data for a limited
number of species, and 13 have no
species breakdown. Without proper
identification of species (and volumes)
that have been caught and traded,
we don't know what and how much
has been caught, where it has been
caught, and where it will end up.
There is a heavy obligation on theshoulders of large trading nations.
Despite the changes in attitude, a
report by WWF and TRAFFIC this
year found that Singapore remains
the world’s second-largest shark
fin trader by value, just behind
Hong Kong. Singapore is also the
world’s second-largest re-exporter of
shark fin, accounting for 10 percent of
global exports from 2012 to 2013.
In addressing this report, Ward-
Sing says: “It’s not really a surprise
to us. But it is very disappointing
that such a developed, leading Asian
country like Singapore is such a huge
contributor to the shark fin trade...
It shows there is still such a huge
demand for shark fin soup in Asia
and this is why we must continue our
educational programmes worldwide
to reduce the demand.”
Singapore would be expected
to see large volumes of any productpopular in the region come through
its huge port. The same applies to
Hong Kong, situated on the doorstep
of a massive consumer, China.
Yet such major trading hubs can
potentially have a positive influence- even more so if the local population
is against the consumption of shark
fin and wants to see their nation have
more of an environmental impact.
“The fact that Singapore is a
significant trader means the solution
to the global shark crisis lies on our
shores,” says WWF Singapore’s chief
executive officer, Elaine Tan. As a
feasible measure, WWF and TRAFFIC
have recommended that Singapore
Customs – and other nations – begin
“The fact that Singapore is a significant
trader means the solution to the global
shark crisis lies on our shores”
Elaine Tan, WWF Singapore
below Baskets with dried
shark fin and fish products
at a traditional Chinese
medicine shop
right Activists stage a protest
to draw attention to the shark fin
trade in Hong KongIMAGE © SHUTTERSTOCK