Why Shark Fin?

Some people may ask why a multi-billion shark trade industry even exists. The main answer to that question is the Asian delicacy - shark fin soup. Shark fin soup consists of thin treads of shark fin in a thickened chicken based broth. The history of shark finning goes all the way back to the Sung Dynasty in China where shark fin soup was seen as a delicacy for the elite. That luxury has translated over to contemporary times where shark fin soup is seen as food for the powerful and wealthy in Asian culture. Shark fin soup is usually served at weddings as that is the most ideal environment to show others one’s amount of wealth. And just like any other industry, the ideology of supply and demand apply. On average, one bowl of shark fin soup can cost up to $100 USD. The expensive price of one bowl illustrates how much people are willing to pay which results in the increase harvesting of shark fins sustaining the shark trade industry.

Source: "Chinese cuisine-Shark fin soup-01" by chee.hong - originally posted to Flickr