Shark finning in Belgium
Hondshaai in de vismijn van Oostende. © Helga D’Havé
Several shark species are endangered. According to scientists approximately 73 million sharks are yearly culled to sustain the increasing demand for shark fins by Asian markets. Shark fin soup is a very expensive Chinese delicacy, something fishermen are aware of. The demand for fins led to the practice of shark finning, where the fins are being cut off at sea while the rest of the shark body is thrown back into the water. Since 2003 shark finning is prohibited by a European law, but the law contains loop holes. In Belgium yearly 500 ton sharks are being caught. Even Belgian fishermen are not afraid of shark finning. In our article we describe a case of shark finning, where a Belgian fishing vessel was caught on sea with two fins of a basking shark in the ship’s freezer.
The article (in Dutch only) was published in EOS magazine nr. 2 (February 2011) and is available for download (pdf).
Absolutely appalling. No compassion or respect for this planet and it’s suffering animals and marine life. Shame on you humans who do evil.
Many kinds of sharks are endangered because of humans fin-soup. That is ridiculous. You don’t feel ashamed of causing tens of thousands of sharks slaughter everyday as a representative? Please think of that more deeply and humanly! The world is watching.
Utterly shocked to see this. EU MUST come down hard on these officals that permit this to occur. No more excuses. Prevent it from happening or be accountable for it occurring and be HEAVYLY fined. Get the bastard perps and cut their arms off. UNBELIEVABLE !!!
This is another sad case of inhumane behavior! When will we as a human race learn to have respect for the animal kingdom or mother earth….when it’s too late? Shame on these people!