Page 71 - World of Animals - Deadly Predators

Sharks

Save our SCALLOPED

HAMMERHEAD SHARK
Sphyrna lewini
sharks Lifespan 30 years
Adult weight 85kg (185lbs)
Conservation status

ENDANGERED
These oceanic predators not only keep
prey populations in check, but also make
them stronger by picking off the weak
and old. Sharks are crucial to the health
of our oceans but sadly they are under
threat, and the main culprit of their plight
is overfishing. Shark fin soup is a delicacy
in China and Hong Kong and the demand
for fins has been sky high for the past
few decades, causing shark numbers
to plunge as a consequence. The fins
themselves are so flavourless that they
need to be cooked in chicken stock.
Eating shark fin soup has long been
associated with luxury and privilege and
it’s served at weddings, birthdays and
Chinese New Year.
In recent years things have started to
change. In 2012 the Chinese government
banned shark fin soup at official
functions, and the popularity of the dish
has taken a hit thanks to the work of
activist Yao Ming, a former NBA player.
Some reports indicate that 90% of the
population support banning it. According
to statistics, 75% of Chinese citizens
didn’t even know the soup contained
shark as its Chinese name translates to
‘fish wing soup’.

Shark fishermen slice off the fins they
want and throw the animal back in the © Getty Images
water to die, like this hammerhead found
by a scuba diver in the Pacific Ocean

71