[clmetal]

If the US was doing this, this would have been posted already


BEIJING (Reuters) - Sharks could face extinction within a generation from overfishing for their fins, a conservation group said on Wednesday, calling on the Chinese government to lead the way in their protection.

More than 90 percent of shark fin is consumed in China and demand is growing rapidly as the economy develops leading to more sharks being caught, many illegally in areas that are supposed to be protected, according to the group WildAid.

Shark fin, once offered as a gift to emperors, is traditionally served in soup at Chinese wedding banquets and occasions when the host wants to impress guests with expensive dishes. Some also believe it is good for the health.

"These animals have been here for 400 million years and they may disappear in one generation, not to provide people with basic food, but for a solely luxury item," executive director Peter Knights told a news conference to launch a new report.

Hammerhead, Great White and Basking sharks were some of the species at risk, WildAid said in the report.

The group said shark fin is becoming cheaper and eaten by a growing number of people in China -- perhaps by around 100 million people a year.

"Precisely the role China plays is one of unsustainable demand. The demand for shark fin soup as it now stands, and as it's set to increase, cannot be sustained by wild shark populations," said Steve Trent, WildAid president.

"This is a role where the Chinese government can show genuine global leadership and can help many other countries around the world that are extremely poor and less well resourced, to protect their shark populations."

[FingerBang]

The problem with alot of Asian countries is that these types of foods are said to have magical powers, healing powers, sexual powers. Eat shark fin soup and go home and fuck your wife for 12 hours straight.

Superstitious ness strikes again.

Most of these sharks have their fins cut off then are tossed back over still alive and slowly wait to die.

Nothing will happen, those countries will fish until there's nothing left. They don't give a fuck.

[David Koresh]

Not only do the Chinese show little regards towards human rights, but their animal rights reputation is also among the worlds worst. Check out this video: http://www.filecabi.net/video/feedingcowtime.html

[GermanBJJ]

Sharks near extinction? Someone should tell them that because I am always hooking those damn things when I fish in the Gulf. But the article is right, some species deserve protection.

[Lubaolong]

I just had some shark fin soup a couple weeks ago. Mmmm

[Das Uberdog]

can't they grow these mindless tubes-with-teeth in a farm like they do with salmon & shit?

[GermanBJJ]

Originally Posted by Lubaolong

I just had some shark fin soup a couple weeks ago. Mmmm

That soup is on my Top-5 Most Overrated Foods of All-Time list.

[GermanBJJ]

Originally Posted by Das Uberdog

can't they grow these mindless tubes-with-teeth in a farm like they do with salmon & shit?

Didn't you see Jaws 3 or Deep Blue Sea? Do you know what happens when you put these things in captivity?

[Das Uberdog]

Originally Posted by GermanBJJ

Didn't you see Jaws 3 or Deep Blue Sea? Do you know what happens when you put these things in captivity?

they don't start working in teams.. do they??

[Lubaolong]

Originally Posted by GermanBJJ

That soup is on my Top-5 Most Overrated Foods of All-Time list.

Overrated? I didn't know it was so highly regarded. I thought it was more of a traditional meal and a symbol of wealth than a delicious delicacy. Or maybe we lack the sophisticated Chinese palate to enjoy it fully.