A recent report for FAO highlights the threats to global shark populations, highlighting the point that focussing on shark fins is missing the point on the growth of consumption of shark meat.

“There is a persistent belief among many well-intentioned folks that the only threat that sharks have ever faced, or are currently facing, is shark finning,” said David Shiffman, a well-known shark scientist at the University of Miami. He argues that the focus on fins distracts attention from more important conservation actions.

Sonja Fordham, president of the non-profit Shark Advocates International, agreed with Shiffman. “When I started, most people were scared of sharks and didn’t care much whether they survived or not,” so the show of support for their conservation is encouraging, she said. But she, too, worries that finning is eclipsing other issues. To read more click here:

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/sep/12/shark-fin-ban-not-saving-species