Predators of sharks, Prey to cultural norms

By: Jax Hung

Shark population is decreasing, and Hong Kong itself is responsible for 50% of global shark fin trade, thus, Hong Kong as a consumption market, plays a significant role in the shark fin market. In this article, I will be exploring the importance of this topic and how you are able to take action right now inside and outside of this school (and have a chance at getting a service major!).

According to a TED talk by Andrea Richey, who have also spoken at a school assembly earlier this school year, shark fin soup originated during the Song Dynasty - around 960 to 1279 A.D. During which Mei Yaochen had written a poem titled “A reply to shark skin and lips”. translations of the poem vary. Regardless, the poem is about the spectacular taste of shark delicacy.

海魚沙玉皮，剪膾金齏釅。遠持享佳賓，豈用飾寶劍。 予貧食幾稀，君愛則已泛。終當飯葵藿，此味不為欠。 This poem garnered the attention of the Song Emperor, who then ordered shark fin soup to be served for those in higher positions. Because of the invention of this tradition, it became a status symbol for all who could consume it.

In modern days, shark fin soup is part of ‘the big four’ dishes that symbolises a lucky marriage, which are 鮑, 參, 翅, 肚. 翅 in particular means shark fin soup. Realistically though, the use of shark fin is not at all essential to the soup as it does not affect taste. This is because shark fin is essentially pure cartilage, similar in structure to human fingernails and this holds an astonishing 0% nutritional value! But due to the cultural association the dish had with luxury, Many restaurants continue to serve and make profit off of the consumption of shark fin soup. This was proven in a survey examining the prevalence of shark fin soup in Chinese restaurants, only 3 of them - 2% of all restaurants, reported not serving shark fin soup. Granted, shark fin does not have any negative consequences to the human body when consumed. But it is overall better to not consume them at all as they bring more harm than good, not only does poaching sharks harm the shark population, it affects marine life as a whole. Because of the sharks' roles as a predator, they regulate the environment via influencing other marine animals and their behavior. Without sharks, their prey increases in population, and thus leading to the endangerment of other species.

In some areas of the world, the hunting of sharks also creates a sort of domino effect, as when shark prey increases in population, species such as parrotfish are eaten by those very prey. Due to mass poaching, the shark population decreases at a higher rate as sharks reproduce at quite a modest rate and thus cannot keep up with the rate at which humans are killing it. We have done quite a ‘terrific’ job at hunting sharks, as the shark population has decreased by more than 90% in the last few decades.

Currently, the RCHK shark ambassadors are a club lead by Andrea Richey and Mr Chiang. The club is currently looking for new members from all years in secondary, plus participants may have a service major depending on their commitment. Students may contact chianj3@rchk.edu.hk (Mr Chiang) or message 9095 6652 on Whatsapp for more information. If you’re simply interested in the cause but dont have the time to partake in the club, then like any other issue with humanity and climate, the foremost thing you, your family, your dog and your hamster, and in particular, just about anyone concerned with the production and consumption of shark fin soup is to raise awareness about the issue through sharing related media posts such as the sources linked below:

https://youtu.be/kf4fgTkP_vc

https://europe.oceana.org/importance-sharks-0/

Context: With the rapid advancement of human technology, oftentimes many have shifted their gaze towards potential breakthroughs, but have also neglected the importance of preserving the present climate, which cannot be restored. In such dire times, I personally think the sharks ambassadors club held in RCHK is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested to both develop their portfolio and positively contribute to a marine species that needs desperate protection. Though sharks are far from the grand scheme of urgent issues presented with our environment, I would say it is a manageable and step to address shark finning, as we currently live in Hong Kong, a country that affects this issue most. If we were to spread awareness of this issue, it would have the most impact.