Taiwan urged to prohibit commercial removal of shark fins

The environment and animal society of Taiwan (East) yesterday asked the Fisheries Agency urgently of the Council of agriculture (COA) to enforce an existing ban on commercial ' shark Finning.

Kuroshio Ocean Educational Foundation Director Chang Tai-ti said that scientific research shows sharks hunt not people like a survival instinct.

In fact, sharks are only occasionally attracted by surfers who the animals if seals error, according to Chang. However, people are not part of sharks biological food chain and tend to ignore surfers after a first attack, Chang said.

East chief Chen Yu-min noted that great white sharks and basking sharks have both are listed as protected species on the Convention on international trade in endangered species of Wild Fauna and flora.

The Central Government has the ban on commercial fisheries on these two specific species and their purchase, ownership, import or export legislation since 2007, "said Chen. According to fisheries law, offenders can be sentenced to three years ' imprisonment or a fine up to NT $ 150,000 (US $ 5,100).

To promote the conservation of the species, fishermen who have free from sharks after catching them right on rewards of NT $ 30,000 ($ 1,000).

The Humane Society of the United States argued that the increasing demand for shark fins with China's rapid economic growth, the global shark population can damage it. As an apex predator, the decrease of the shark species will lead to an imbalance in the marine food chain. The Global Shark conversation Initiative and the Australian Anti-Shark shark fins Alliance have both launched to ban the removal of shark fins petitions and publicity about them international social media networks.

The certificate of authenticity (COA) aims to ensure the sustainable catch of sharks while any effects on the fishing industry of Taiwan caused by the adoption of restrictive measures to protect sharks.

The Council has also promised to remain active in the evaluation of the stocks of sharks in various regional fisheries management organisations.