Feared, hunted and traded – such is the fate of millions upon millions of sharks and rays worldwide each year. In Panama, police seized 6.79 tons of shark fins. As authorities reported on Thursday, five people have been arrested.
The shark fins were stored in a 40-foot container discovered about 37 miles west of the capital Panama City in the town of Capira as part of “Operation Shark.” Officials sorted the find by shark species and size and placed it on large boxes for a photo to demonstrate the scale of this environmental crime. There are small fins of ten to fifteen centimeters long, but also dorsal fins of half a meter long of large sharks.
A delicacy in East Asian countries
Shark meat and especially shark fin soup is considered a delicacy, especially in East Asian countries. They pay up to 1000 dollars per kilo. According to many people, shark fin soup slows down the aging process, stimulates appetite, improves memory and increases potency. Often, after their fins have been cut off, the animals are thrown back into the sea, where they die a slow death.
According to the American environmental organization Pew Environment Group, between 63 and 273 million sharks are killed each year, mainly for their fins and other parts. More than 30 percent of shark species are threatened with extinction as a result.
Better protection for sharks decided
In November, the World Species Conference in Panama decided to better protect sharks in a decision described as “historic”: 54 species of ground sharks, six species of hammerhead sharks and 37 species of small guitarfish were newly added to the list of protected species. As a result, 90 percent of the species traded for their fins and meat will be protected in the future. So far, only a quarter of them are protected, mostly larger species.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
