study finds a third of shark species on brink of extinction due to fnning

Northern Mariana Islands become first U.S. territory to ban shark fin trade – as study finds a third of species on brink of extinction

 

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER 
1 February 2011

A group of Pacific islands has become the first U.S. overseas territory to close the doors on shark finning.

Tiny Saipan island - the administrative capital of 15 islands that make up the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands - has passed a new law banning the possession, sale and distribution of shark fins in its waters.   

The new green prohibition follows Hawaii, which last year became the first U.S. state to outlaw trade in the animal's fins.

Sharks being finned in Indonesia. A group of Pacific islands has passed a new law banning the possession, sale and distribution of shark fins in its waters

An estimated 73 million sharks are slaughtered each year and a third of all species are currently on the brink of extinction.

'It's a grave situation that sharks are now faced with,' Matt Rand, director of the Pew Environment Group's Global Shark Conservation Campaign, told CNN. 

'If serious action is not taken soon, the fate of shark species playing a viable role in the marine ecosystem - one they've played for 400 million years - is in jeopardy. Some say we've past the turning point; I hope that is not the case.'

Captured sharks are cut up in Indonesia. An estimated 73 million sharks are slaughtered each year and a third of all species are currently on the brink of extinction

Once ashore, shark fins are slashed off and dried in the sun, while the rest of the shark - often worthless to fishermen - is commonly dumped in the sea

Saipan is best known in Britain for its part in the Pacific conflicts of WWII when Japanese troops fought pitched battles against U.S. marines who eventually won the territory for America.

Now the island is the centre of a new fight - but this time with eco-warriors combating an industry that has heavily linked with the devastating disappearance of shark populations in the world's oceans.

Film maker and marine conservation campaigner Shawn Heinrichs, from Colorado, was at the centre of the crusade led by islanders, which included local school children.

A Chinese restaurant selling shark fin soup in Northern Mariana Islands. A single bowl can cost up to £80 in the fashionable restaurants of Beijing

Heinrichs and fellow conservationist film maker Rob Stewart, 31, from Canada, were contacted by sixth grade children from the island pleading that they help stop sharks from being killed in the area.

'We had no choice,' said Heinrichs.   

'Who could say no to to these passionate kids who had decided to take control of their future and make a real difference for the people and environment of their islands?  

'The business of shark finning is systematically wiping out shark populations around the world.   

'The rapid expansion of the middle class in China, coupled with heavy promotion by the shark fin trade, has lead to an explosion in demand for shark fin soup in the past three decades.   

'Shark populations cannot withstand this onslaught and as a result, many shark populations have been reduced by over 90 per cent.   

'If things do not change soon, the future of many sharks species and the health of the ocean ecosystems they keep in balance, are in serious trouble.'  

Fins dry on a boat. Huge sharks, many of which are endangered, are caught and killed just for this small portion of their body, which can be sold for £500 per kilogram

As these shocking pictures show, huge sharks, many of which are endangered, are caught and killed just for a small portion of their body - which is served in restaurants in mainland China.

A single bowl is served for up to £80 in the fashionable restaurants of Beijing.

The animals are dragged out of their ocean homes by steel hooks.   

Once ashore their fins are slashed off and dried in the sun while the rest of the shark - often worthless to fishermen - is commonly dumped in the sea.

Marine conservationists Rob Stewart (left) and Shawn Heinrichs, from Canada, were contacted by sixth grade children from Saipan island pleading that they help stop sharks from being killed in the area

Stewart, who is also the director of Sharkwater, a global NGO for the protection of sharks, says sharks are important to the planet and to humanity.

'Sharks have been on earth for over 400 million years and have survived five major extinctions,' he said.

'As the apex predator, they ensure the health of the ocean ecosystems, keeping fish stocks healthy, maintaining balance on coral reefs, and ultimately safeguarding the future of the oceans upon which we depend.   

'Fifty per cent of the oxygen in the air that we breathe comes from life in the ocean below sharks in the food chain, making sharks incredibly important not just for the oceans, but for us as well.'

According to Greenpeace International, shark fins can be sold for £500 per kilogram.

While banned in European and US federal waters, the practice of mutilating sharks for their fins has continued in other parts of the world, and until now the selling of shark fin soup has continued.

In 2010 the shark fin industry processed 1170 tonnes of raw and processed shark fins worth £45 million.

However, Saipan's residents have now removed themselves from this bloody equation through the passing of the new law on Thursday.

'This bill is a victory,' said Stewart.

'We did our part in capturing this inspiring story and hopefully bringing it to the world as an example of how a few passionate people can change the world.   

'In the future, I hope to be fortunate enough the share and document many more of these human triumphs.'