How is the Situation in China/Hong Kong?

China and Hong Kong are the countries that engage in the most shark finning out of all the countries in the world. The influence of the Asian culture in both countries contribute to the high buying, selling, and trading of shark fin primarily for shark fin soup. Shark populations in the waters surrounding Asia have declined up to 98% over the past 15 years because of the recognition of the profit coming from shark finning. However, because of such statistics, shark finning is slowly becoming less popular as people are seeing the effects on sharks and humans alike. Just over the past year, shark fin sales have decreased 50-70% in China. In addition to the decrease in sales, the China and Hong Kong governments are also taking a stance by prohibiting the serving of shark fin dishes at government events since 2013. By the revelation of such statistics and facts regarding the treatment of sharks during the shark finning process and the health consequences of consuming shark fin, citizens of the countries are contributing to the decline in shark fin popularity by refusing to serve it at many ceremonies such as weddings, reunions, and birthdays. Although people are making an effort to stand against shark finning, it will take time for China and Hong Kong to take steps in completely banning all actions related to shark finning as it is still very much ingrained in Asian culture.