Ministers to outlaw trade in shark fins

Legislation is planned to escalate the fight against the “indescribably cruel” shark fin trade, the government has said.

Importing and exporting detached shark fins will be banned to improve conservation, with some species currently critically endangered.

Animal Welfare minister Lord Goldsmith said: “Shark finning is indescribably cruel and causes thousands of shark to die terrible deaths. It is also unforgivably wasteful.

“The practice is rightly banned in UK waters, but the trade continues, with serious implications for the future of these magnificent creatures,” he added.

“Thatiswhywearenow banning the import both of detached shark fins and shark fin products.

“Our action will not only help boost shark numbers, it will send a clear message that we do not support an industry forcing many species to the brink of extinction.”

The trade ban will extend to shark fin products such as tinned shark fin soup.

Some 143 species of sharkarelistedas “under threat” under the International Union for Conservation of Nature – ranging from “vulnerable” to “critically endangered”.

Demand for shark fin products is a significant driver for these pressures, alongside overfishing.