Citizens launch initiative to ban shark fin trade in Europe.
A group of citizens from across Europe have united and demand the end of the shark fin trade in the European Union (EU), so as to increase the protection of these fragile but key species. This trade relies on the wasteful and unethical practice of cutting the fins off sharks and discarding the animal back into the ocean while it is often still alive. Because of their high commercial value and use in a traditional soup in Asian culture the practice of shark finning still occurs and Europe is one of the major players in the global fin trade.
Sharks are crucial to a healthy ocean.
Every year, between 63 and 273 million sharks are killed, and many species are increasingly threatened worldwide. Globally sharks are targeted for their meat and liver oil, but the biggest threat is still shark finning. The steep erosion of shark populations across the globe has severe impacts, as many sharks are ‘apex predators’ and play an active role in maintaining healthy and productive marine ecosystems.
A chance for change:
The ‘Stop Finning — Stop the Trade’ European Citizens’ Initiative started collecting signatures on 1 February 2020. EU citizens will now have one year to support the requested change by collecting one million votes.
Demand the end of shark fin trade in the European Union
