He said he was calling for better shark fishery management in Taiwan because the country is currently the most important trader in shark fin meat after Singapore and Hong Kong. Research shows that Taiwan does not conduct finning near its own shores, but Taiwanese vessels, according to Knights, have been found doing so off Costa Rica and Brazil, for whose residents shark meat is an important source of protein. Knights therefore urged the government to ban finning. Taiwan's fishery department, however, said it was awaiting information from fishermen to understand which shark species are endangered. It said that preparation for a survey was initiated six years ago.
Whale sharks are one of the most commonly eaten species in Taiwan.
He added that there is no need to wait for precise local data because the decline of shark populations has been proven to be drastic by global evidence. He also appealed to the public to reduce the demand for shark fin meat. Consumers should not associate eating shark fin soup with a declaration of wealth. Challenged during its press conference by opposition from local fishermen, WildAid emphasized that it is not promoting a blanket ban of shark fishing, but is calling for proper conservation, which will ensure the sustainability of shark populations globally. This story has been viewed 431 times.