ANTH/SOCI 2801

Shark Fin Soup: Are Humans Eating Sharks, or Are Sharks Consuming Humans?

Shark fin soup is an integral part of Chinese and Southeastern Asian culture, being a part of both social and medicinal practices. The consumption of shark fin is beneficial to the consumer and acts as a mark of wealth, status, and respect. However, fisheries are poorly managed leading to the near extinction of many species of shark. It is an unsustainable practice currently being managed by bans that do not actually do much to benefit sustainability. Money needs to be put towards making fisheries sustainable in order to ensure the long-term survival of the economy and the culture.

Paige Repton

China and Southeastern Asia