The Plight of Sharks

The Plight of Sharks

Posted by Michael Starbuck on 24th Jul 2014

To many, whether it be as a result of watching 'Jaws' from an early age or too many reruns of 'Shark Attack Week', sharks – the ocean's apex predators - are considered the stuff of nightmares. Sure, they may not look like a cuddly lion cub or a baby orangutan; but as the top of the ocean's food chain – they are essential in keeping our oceans healthy and stable.

Every year tens of millions of sharks die a slow death because of 'finning' - the barbaric practice of hacking off the shark's fins and throwing its dying body back into the sea. The finless sharks either starve to death or drown (as if they are not in constant movement their gills cannot extract oxygen from the water). Shockingly, these fins are being harvested in ever greater numbers in order to feed the growing demand for shark fin soup - an Asian "delicacy" served at weddings and banquets.

We stumbled across this video from the 'Bite Back' initiative here showing this awful practice in full. Be warned however – it is pretty distressing.

Through this video you can see that not only is the finning of sharks barbaric, but their indiscriminate slaughter at an unsustainable rate is actually pushing many species to the brink of extinction. Every year nearly one hundred million sharks are killed by humans, and of that an estimated seventy three million are killed for their fins for the shark fin soup trade. Conversely, in 2012, there were eighty shark attacks worldwide – of which only 7 were actually fatal. So for every one human killed by a shark, the world took its revenge out on over 10 million sharks – hardly a fair ratio.

What's even more worrying is that due to the clandestine nature of finning, records are rarely kept of the exact numbers of sharks and the species that are being caught - 100 million is therefore only an estimate - and sadly, this number could be a whole lot more. Estimates are solely based on the declared imports to shark fin markets such as Hong Kong and China. Species including hammerheads, great hammerheads, great white sharks, whale sharks and oceanic whitetips, as well as other marine species (including manta rays), are often the main targets for fishermen. Resultantly, many of these once widespread species are now highly endangered and, in some cases, critically so. Since the 1970's, the populations of several species have been decimated by over 95% - a horrifying statistic.

The good news is that companies and establishments are beginning to take note. Numerous restaurants have started to ban the sale of shark fin soup in Hong Kong (see here) and other cities worldwide, and airlines (including most recently Singapore Airlines) banning the transportation of the fins. But it is clear that there is plenty more work to be done. 'Bite Back' alone have reported that so far this year, around 50 million sharks have already been slaughtered - sadly, this number is increasing every second.

So - how can we all help?

- First and foremost, avoid all restaurants that serve shark fin on the menu. There are more than you think, even in England! Have a look at this map of establishments from the 'Bite Back' website here.

- Tell your friends and relatives and share via social media the plight of sharks. After all - the more people that know the better!

- Get involved with shark conservation initiatives that monitor these fantastic animals. These include 'The Great White Shark Project' and the 'Whale Shark Research Project'!

- Sign 'Wild Aid's' shark pledge calling upon world leaders to prevent the buying and selling of shark fins.

Let's help put an end to this barbaric practice!


Share this Article...

Share this article with your friends and followers by using the social media buttons below.


Leave a Comment...

Wanting to add something to this story or just let us know your thoughts? Just leave your comments below. Please be aware that all comments will be moderated: abusive behaviour or self-promotion will not be allowed.

500 characters remaining

Has this blog inspired you to volunteer? If so, why not enquire today? Simply fill out an enquiry form, and allow a member of our travel team to assist with your query! Please note that blog comments are not monitored by the travel team, so any questions related to bookings may be missed.


Featured Blog Arcticles


Featured Videos


Experience The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

See what you could get up to as a volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary! This volunteer project offers you the chance to get up close and personal with some of the country's most iconic species.

Discover The Great White Shark Project

Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation. As a volunteer, not only will you get the incredible opportunity to dive with sharks, but you will also assist the team in raising awareness of the great white as you work alongside tourists and local school children to provide them with knowledge of the local environment and the importance of living in harmony with South Africa’s marine life.

Volunteers Review Their Experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteers talk about their recent experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo.

Latest Blog Arcticles


It’s Orangutan Release Time!

It’s Orangutan Release Time!

12 more orangutans have been successfully released back...

Meet 12 orangutan candidates up for release!

Meet 12 orangutan candidates up for release!

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Borneo...

Linda's Samboja Lestari Orangutan Adventure

Linda's Samboja Lestari Orangutan Adventure

Linda Duchin volunteered at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan...

Two Rewilded Cheetahs, Two Years On - A Remarkable Rewilding Story

Two Rewilded Cheetahs, Two Years On - A Remarkable Rewilding Story

Join us on a remarkable rewilding journey as we revisit the...

Janet & Mick's Unforgettable Gorilla Adventure

Janet & Mick's Unforgettable Gorilla Adventure

Janet and Mick joined The Great Gorilla Project last year...

The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

Lauren and James have returned and are ready to relay tales...

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

Team members Lauren and James, joined colleague Georgia to...

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteer Lynne Coe shares her valuable tips on what to...


Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987