Yum... Nothing Like Mama's Shark Fin Soup!

On the Dot Earth blog, Andrew Revkin mentioned Palau (a Pacific country) has declared its waters a shark refuge. Celebrated by biologists for its marine life diversity, it is also harmed by an increase in illegal fishing of sharks to satisfy the appetites of some Chinese for fins. This is a tragedy not only for these large fish but also for Palau itself, as reef diving is a primary source of income there.

In brief, President Johnson Toribiong of Palau announced to the U.N. General Assembly his idea to ban all commercial shark fishing in his nation. This is supported by Carl Safina (marine biologist), who informed that Palau has actually recovered from reef bleaching – in other words, it is heaven for many aquatic species. But here's the problem with stopping shark fishing there: Palau only has one enforcement vessel to watch a zone nearly the size of Texas. Turning idealism into realism is a challenge indeed.

The issue gets juicier with the comments to the blog entry. Most of the responses were on topic, although some strayed onto that of clearcutting in the Pacific Northwest. Respondent #8 noted that only 5% of America's old growth forest remains, although we do have more forests than it did in previous years due to national parks.

Respondent #1 typed about the gorey photos in the article and is amazed that shark finning has not been made illegal across the globe. He feels shark fishermen should be “thrown in prison and confiscate their boats.” His point is emotional, not logical. Imprisoning shark fishermen is not the solution to the problem. Also, Respondent #5 stated that the Chinese and Japanese lack the desire change their palates due to their culture, and Respondent #7 feels the Chinese should aid in world biodiversity. These two people have logical, sound points, and to a extent civil (I agree with them, believe me). Many sharks are threatened or endangered or are key species in aquatic ecosystems. For these reasons alone they should be protected, as these are based on science.

As environmentalists, it is important that we do not fall off-topic and above all base our opinions on science before emotions. Emotions can always be countered. And remember, old growth forests are irrelevant when speaking of sharks!

(Article available here.)