Finning: meaning, definitions and examples

Environmental Impact

• Finning contributes to the decline of shark populations, with estimates suggesting up to 100 million sharks are killed each year for their fins.
• Removing fins often leads to the practice of discarding the rest of the fish, causing a waste of marine resources that disrupts ocean ecosystems.

Cultural Significance

• Shark fins are prized in some cultures for making shark fin soup, considered a delicacy in Chinese cuisine and often served at celebrations.
• Despite its high price, increasing awareness about the harmful effects of finning has led to a decline in its popularity among younger generations.

Legislation and Activism

• Many countries have banned the practice of finning or have implemented laws requiring that fish are landed with their fins still attached.
• Global campaigns and organizations advocate against finning, aiming to protect marine biodiversity and promote sustainable fishing practices.

Biological Insights

• Fins are essential for a fish’s movement and stability; without them, fish struggle to navigate and are more vulnerable to predators.
• Certain species of sharks can lose their fins and suffer from severe health issues or die from inability to hunt for food after being finned.