Straits Times 26 Feb 12;
The article, 'No sense in shark's fin ban: Experts' (Feb 17), interpreted statements by Professor Steve Oakley of Shark Savers Malaysia as agreeing with Dr Giam Choo Hoo and Mr Hank Jenkins' opposition to a shark's fin ban.
That interpretation misses the sentiment of the broader discussion, in which Prof Oakley argued in favour of sustainability and for rejecting the consumption of sharks.
Shark populations worldwide are in decline because of unsustainable overfishing, largely driven by the demand for shark's fin.
The result, in many cases, has been severe population depletion or collapse. Regional losses of highly targeted species are as high as 99per cent in some cases.
Most sharks are not caught by poor fishermen but by pelagic, commercial fishing boats. The shark's fin trade has turned previously artisanal fishermen, who rarely targeted sharks and had a negligible impact on local shark populations, into more aggressive fishermen specifically targeting sharks to supply the international fin trade.
Alternatively, sustainable fishing, of non-shark species, helps poor fishermen by ensuring fish for the future. The greatest success in helping poor fishing communities has been where shark eco-tourism replaces shark killing, providing a long-term, sustainable source of income.
Sharks are critically important to healthy oceans and we must improve the viability of sharks for the future. Current levels of consumption and trade are not sustainable.
The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) has recommended a ban on shark products in Singapore until vulnerable shark populations have recovered and trade can be scientifically proven to be sustainable. Shark Savers supports Acres' recommendation.
Let's all do our part now by not eating shark's fin or meat.
Jonn Benedict Lu
Regional Director
Shark Savers
