Long-line fishing boats lay out miles of baited hooks for tuna and other food fish. They unavoidably catch sharks in the process. Fishermen say there is little market for most shark meat, which is heavy in uric acid. You pay some bills. Sharks are potentially susceptible to the dangers of overfishing But a shark without fins can't survive, and opponents of finning want the practice banned as wasteful and cruel.
Some experts also wonder if too many sharks are being taken and are pushing for laws to ban finning.
Because the fins are sold informally at a dockside cash market, it's difficult to track how many sharks are being killed. The National Marine Fisheries says it has no firm numbers, and fishermen say the number is small. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .