Comments on: Singaporeans rally to say no to shark fins soup

By: Food Insurance

Food Insurance — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:46:05 +0000

I had shark fin soup here in the U.S. but they actually used the rest of the small shark as well for shark steak, etc.

By: worrier

worrier — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:19:28 +0000

Updated "Say No to Shark Fins" campaign by ACRES: http://www.acres.org.sg/issues_sharksfin.htm Do check out the video footage on the shark wedding cake!

By: worrier

worrier — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 05:24:43 +0000

Well, Jennifer, the hard selling on the need to conserve them, let them recover, let them not get extinct, doesn’t work at national and international level, the international conference of CITES just ended. Very bad news for the marine life, not just sharks, also tunas, corals, etc.

Little celebration as Cites ends
http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/wildlifesos/2010/03/2010325185143794333.html
BIODIVERSITY: Trade Trumps Concern for Threatened Marine Species
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=50812

People who wants big money now, just want big money. Money and politics win. Not sure, if the regional, local strategies will work: hammering on consumers, that is.

Then again, some people will sarcastically say: why bother? Extinct, extinct loh! No more meat to eat, you vegetarians should be very happy, right?
I hope this kind of people constitute only a negligible percentage. I have no more blood to vomit already. I am cynical, sorry, don’t really trust humans, until they are near death (at least that’s the last hope, if near death still can not wake up, …….)

By: Harry

Harry — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 10:09:43 +0000

To Alama: That’s right, sharks are not endangered, they are just hiding. Same for tigers or the dodo in NZ, the latter is very good at hiding that’s why we haven’t seen one for a century.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 09:56:33 +0000

Very interesting video re sharks: http://www.southernfriedscience.com/?p=4368

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 09:33:30 +0000

I get the impression I read a question on European/ Aussie nations consuming shark meat. Just wanted to comment that its a chicken + egg issue – which one comes 1st? We can say tt we take fins as by-products while they can say that they are taking meat as by-products.

Rembr this – Its not simply about stopping consumption of fins. its about maintaining sustainability. Its about not killing sharks unless we can find a way to ensure it is sustainable. And bcoz we have proved that we cant, we shd not be killing sharks, and we shd give their population, at minimal, a chance to recover.

Lets not forget that fins are of high value and we are giving additional income to those countries consuming the meat – this probably adds resistance to the whole shark campaign.

We must also not be blind to the fact that there are fleets out there that are out to hunt only for fins. When fishermen are out in high seas, fins are of much higher value than meat itself, and given limited space on fleets, e best way to maximize revenue for each fishing trip is of coz, to create space by dumping carcasses post-finning (so that the fleets remain on seas for a longer period of time, instead of weighing their fleets down with lower value carcasses.)

Say IF shark meat consumption is high in SG, but fin consumption is neligible in comparison, trust me, conservation groups here will be telling u to stop buying meat.

Hope this clarifies. I will be outstationed till late April, hence, will not be replying to any further questions till then.

Cheers! :)

By: worrier

worrier — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:03:18 +0000

Current news from CITES conference still on-going at Doha, Qatar:
UN Fails to Pass Shark Protection Measures
http://www.ecofactory.com/news/un-fails-pass-shark-protection-measures-031710
New protections denied for polar bears, bluefin tuna
http://www.kansascity.com/2010/03/18/1822172/new-protections-denied-for-polar.html

Epic battle to save animals
http://www.nation.co.ke/News/world/Epic%20battle%20to%20save%20animals%20/-/1068/884042/-/145kx2cz/-/

By: worrier

worrier — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:27:19 +0000

Thanks Jennifer! One really needs to look and search hard to find the abundance of all these information and facts. I feel that there isn’t enough consolidation work to make good use of these info to hard sell to the public. Many are written in specialized interest areas, which definitely do not reach the mass. People are generally lazy to look for such things, unless it is provided to them on headline of newspapers, tv, radio, etc. Again, not just in English, also in Chinese to be more impactful.

I was at a mall and passed by stores selling sushi for takeaway, they sell shark fins sushi, maybe at the same price as the rest of the items like tuna sushi or salmon sushi, like <$2? What should I say to these stores? I don’t know what to say. Maybe I should ask them: “is this real or mock fins? How popular are these? Are there people talking to you about avoiding shark fins?” – maybe I will try that tomorrow. :)

I was looking at a lot of other websites. I had an interesting discussion with this professional food writer, he faces a lot of challenges trying to emphasize the point that shark fins is tasteless.
http://www.theatlantic.com/food/archive/2009/12/why-you-shouldnt-eat-shark-fin/32715

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:16:16 +0000

Very good question posted, Worrier. In the past 20+/ 30 years, phytoplankton concentrations have declined by appx 30%. Do note that oceanic oxygen levels differs between regions. Do note this % is not 100% corelated to decline of sharks, but experts believe tt it can be a devastating contributor to the overall fall in phytoplankton. You can check : http://www.couriermail.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/shark-fin-soup-boost/story-e6frer56-1111117544526 http://www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=25364 Not too much is known yet, or at least this is what it seems, however, perhaps we will only know the real impacts after it happen (which may be too late) Check this book if you are keen: Erik Brush, The Sixth Extinction http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/news09.htm

By: worrier

worrier — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:12:44 +0000

Regarding concern on losing of culture or tradition as some would have defended, thanks Jennifer, I went to read your last link, such brain goner me, there are so many points and examples from history where we have discarded our own “custom” or “culture” that are no longer working or have been deemed as inappropriate as we move on in time! Why insisting on cruel culture or tradition? It won’t make one less Chinese right? Really silly thinking… Here’s quoting from your article:

“While lots of Singaporeans would lament that this is a tradition that’s hard to change, its time to sit down and start weighing our pros and cons. Let’s also not forget that headhunting was a tradition too. So are feet-binding and arranged marriages.”

By the way, I was actually wondering if there is any facts or research done (and if not, hope that someone will) to show the current visible impact to the ocean system as a result of the sudden drop of sharks population (90% gone, right?), for example, is there now massive drop of phytoplanktons? Because such verification will be more successful to raise the alarm. Just a thought.

By: Kernz

Kernz — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:08:56 +0000

Such a disgrace.

Just because human has reach the top of the food chain, therefore can afford to be so arrogant.

Typical and pathetic, continue to oblivious to the fact we share the planet with other living beings that perform specific function in the ecosystem.

Dont talk about cows and sheep that’s farm in cramp and inhumane conditions. That’s is by-product of human arrogant in the first place. Which cause more pollution to begin with.

Shark, is just a small part of the whole issue with our mentality. Dont ask dont care, then go shop for another planet to live in when this is totally inhospitable.

Disgraceful

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:08:50 +0000

Thanks Worrier, for the very informative sharing of website, etc. I have not been replying as I have been very caught up recently and was not able to reply until today.
Before I start, bcoz of all these race-related topics flying around here, let me 1st clarify that Im 100% Singaporean, and I am a chinese..

There are too many questions posted within too short a period of time, and I will take my best attempt to reply to some of the more important questions posted:

RE: how’s the ecology balance now in the ocean, what’s the visible impact to the ocean system now that so many sharks were killed and gone from the ocean system?
We need to understand that sharks being apex predators of the ocean, have the power to collapse the entire ocean’s ecosystem with their decline. Sharks control the population of fishes that feeds on phytoplankton, which is responsible for taking in carbon dioxide (the culprit for global warming) and turning them into oxygen in the ocean. With the decline of sharks population, we can expect a sharp, steady decline in phytoplankton, hence affecting oxygen levels in the ocean.
The killing of sharks at the current merciless rates will greatly impact the entire ocean’s oxygen supply and eco-system. We are killing sharks at a rate of approximately 100 MILLION sharks a year. This figure excludes unreported figures through illegal fishing.
We rely on the ocean for food and we are causing damage that is serious enough to destroy our major food source – the lobsters, tuna, snappers, etc fishes from the ocean that we have on our plates today, may no longer be available in generations to come if the entire ocean dies from the lack of oxygen.
Lets also not forget the fact that the Earth is made up of 70% water, and that water cycle is such that water from the sea will evaporate and form part of the air that we breathe. Oxygen on land is very much dependent on oxygen in the ocean, and by neglecting this fact, or by choosing to remain insistently nonchalant, we are bringing death to the Earth.
RE: What if sharks are captured both for their fins as well as their meat ? Isn’t it the same as fishing other fishes ?
–> The reason for efforts to reduce killing of sharks is that they are slow to reproduce and the rate we are catching them fin is unsustainable. Meaning, the population is not able to recover fast enough for our consumption. Sharks take 7-25 years to reach sexual maturity and most species produce 1-2 pups (not in schools unlike many other consumable fishes). in many instances, we are killing them before they are even old enough to reproduce, and when they do reproduce, the reproduction rate is not fast enough to meet our demands.

Now, how serious is this, you may ask: The current population of different species is estimated to have fallen between 90-99% of what was about 20 years back. This means that if we have 100 sharks in the past, we are now left with between 1 – 10 sharks, depending on the species. This is a sign that if we continue with the rate we are killing sharks, we may be driving them to extinction sooner than scientists can come up with a solution for us when sharks extinct and collapse the entire eco system in the process.

Now if we see this decline going on here, we can blame “ang-mo” countries that hunt sharks for meat (FYI they are trying to bring consumerism down too) to feel less guilty. If wastage doesnt concern you – Chinese kill tigers for penis, bears for biles, rhinos for horns, sharks for only fins - can I add that before we start pointing around saying others are also doing it, are we even in the position to point to others because demand for fins is so much higher?
If I may be allowed to use an example: If both you and your siblings are littering your house floor, and you happen to litter even more than them, can you blame your siblings for dirtying the place?
And hence, re the question on: Shouldn’t it be “.. vowed off sharks and not vowed off shark fins” ?? –> Answer is, very simply, YES. Because killing of sharks is an unsustainable trade.
RE: Comparing farming with killing of sharks
Undoubtedly – farming is cruel and im not someone who is pro-animal farming. But to put it but to many, meat consumption is staple, but Fin consumption is NOT. Farming is a sustainable trade – animals are bred so they reproduce fast enough to meet demands, and we do not take them from their natural environments. We cant say the same for shark poaching.
For most staples – cows, chickens, we do not farm the animal for just a part of the animal. But we are now killing an entire shark for its fins, and we get them from the wild. Neither do we want to give them any chance for their population to recover.
To sum this up, yes, if you can go vegetarian, pls go vegetarian. But if you cant, lets do our part in choosing the right food to eat. Yes, “ang mos” have their foie gras and what nots, and they are not sitting on the fence – there are conservation groups out there protesting against it. We are in SG and we shd focus our efforts at ourselves, and do things which are within our control. And Sharks fins are completely within our control, bcoz for those who do not know, tiny little SG is the world’s 3rd largest fin trader (this includes imports + exports) based on stats provided 2-3 yrs ago. I hope this allows you to see how much an impact we can bring if our citizens are willing to move forward and act on it.

RE: MERCURY IN SHARK FINS:
You may refer to this article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1420029.stm
Reports by the United States Food and Drugs Administration also shows that the mercury levels in sharks is one of the highest amongst other marine fishes, at 0.988 PPM (mercury concentration).
This means that Sharks has mercury concentration that’s averagely 70 times higher than salmon, sardines, or oysters (See http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/Product-SpecificInformation/Seafood/FoodbornePathogensContaminants/Methylmercury/ucm115644.htm).
Mercury accumulates at increasing levels as large fish consume contaminated smaller fish. Predatory fish such as shark, large tuna, swordfish, and King mackerel can have mercury concentrations in their bodies that can go up to 10,000 times higher than those of their surrounding habitat. This compound is evenly distributed in body tissues of fish, meaning, the same concentrations are found in muscle, neural tissue, fins and cartilage, and food processing & cooking techniques will not significantly reduce the amount of mercury in fish. Once in the human body, mercury acts as a neurotoxin, interfering with the brain and nervous system.

Exposure to mercury can be hazardous, especially for pregnant women and young children. During the first several years of life, a child’s brain is still developing and rapidly absorbing nutrients. Prenatal and infant mercury exposure can cause mental retardation, cerebral palsy, deafness and blindness. Even in low doses, mercury may affect a child’s development, delaying walking and talking, shortening attention span and causing learning disabilities.

In adults, mercury poisoning can adversely affect fertility and blood pressure regulation and can cause memory loss, tremors, vision loss and numbness of the fingers and toes. A growing body of evidence suggests that exposure to mercury may also lead to heart disease.
For those who wants to know more: http://www.ecowalkthetalk.com/blog/2010/02/12/sharks-fin-the-red-flag/
Thanks =)

By: worrier

worrier — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:02:10 +0000

Hi to “not say I wan to say”, great, you are pointing out something very very valid, which has not been taken into consideration by ACRES in this campaign: Culture, tradition. I am also wondering how, and you are right, most will not care, until, you tell them: “It is poisonous, it contains mercury, it will lead to male impotence, it will cause harm to pregnant woman and children, etc. etc.”

Just need some reported cases of mercury poisoning from consumption of shark fins soup, maybe it will work… ? because people won’t bother unless it affects them immediately. Future scenarios of ocean dying? Species extinct? they won’t want to worry about that, not now. Other problems are taking priority in the meantime… like… other socio political issues discussed so heavily in this website. The current fear of people getting “extinct” their jobs getting “extinct” is probably more worrying and immediate.

Perhaps I should take a break from here, seems like, wrong timing. Maybe I should return to this forum after the election. Actually, I want to further discussions with ACRES, but, they also don’t come here. *sigh* Don’t like the fact that every time I comment here, it will pop up on the “new comments” update list, and sure, it will irritate or annoy some people when they keep seeing “Sharks” appearing so many times.

Bye bye! Thanks for all the rest who have been patient with me all these while. :)

By: worrier

worrier — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:39:22 +0000

??? why is he so angry ???

By: hoddioo

hoddioo — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:58:36 +0000

cheebye, u guys wanna eat/drink/shit on your shark fin soup, no body really cares!!

By: worrier

worrier — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:35:22 +0000

Joe, looks like we also must avoid American Ginseng, because it’s also on the brink of extinction (check the list again, they are also highlighting endangered plant species). I am just wondering, as much as what you have feared, how long more before we end up having no food left… and maybe, to feed on processed chemicals extracted from petroleums and minerals. Oh wait, those are also drying up!

By: worrier

worrier — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:15:00 +0000

Great, many more animals cruelty issues brought up! Yes!!!

So much that….. we just feel ashamed of degradation of humanities….. yet, there is hope, when I come across many dedicated organizations and volunteers working to address these issues. There are tonnes of petitions ongoing in http://www.care2.com trying to get signatures to petition all that you mention. I have been following this place since 1999. But, many don’t listen, don’t care, many organizations stated what they have fought, sometimes they managed to do so with victory highlighting that the state or some govt bodies impose bans set regulations etc., then some other issues pop up again, and they continue to write in, exert pressure, working with other organizations that can influence them, gathering research data and facts to show them reality, etc. etc. etc.

Sometimes 1 or 2 out of 5 will succeed, sometimes only 1 out of 10. Not easy… because, political interest, money interest, power interest….. to dig and fight for limited resources they can get hold of. Root of all these problems? – Consumerism!

Stop being fooled into the world of consumerism (economists and govts and for-profit organizations will hate this). Start living simple, wanting only minimal, and that will really make a difference (both to the world, and to your own savings, less non-profits need to be set up, many non-profits can also close down, no need to make so much donations also). – My ideals! Most likely end up dream long long……

Go and watch this: http://www.storyofstuff.com/

Years ago when I joined an overseas tour to Spain, I am very glad that the entire bus of tourists all refuse to watch bull fighting. Maybe it’s time constraint, but, still… very happy! :)

PS: Those into human cruelty issues… I also have a lot to throw to you. For now, we shall stick to animal ones here.

Can ACRES people come in here and join the discussion? I posted so many questions, need answers…. because we want to help out also….. *sigh*… I am like one mad person talking to myself most of the time.

By: joe

joe — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:01:39 +0000

thanks worrier…

very useful reference. There should be a concerted effort by all nations to protect those on the list so that our world and ultimately we ourselves are protected… (I see sharks on the list, so it makes sense now…). The punitive measures and enforcement must also be in place….to make all these effective..

as for “I vote for WP”, since snails are not in the endangered species, eat away, man !!

By: I vote for WP

I vote for WP — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:50:24 +0000

Oh for heaven’s sake, of all the arguments in this site, this has to take the cake. I am upset with Japanese whaling – am I pro-Western? (red is btw my favourite colour) and I eat shark – am I anti-Western? What a load of rubbish. Argue your point, for goodness sake but stop stereotyping, only the lazy generalises.

What upset me more than anything is the eating of dogs, I said we marched to the embassies of China, Korea and the Philippines and demand a stop to this barbaric habit. And I am upset with dog fighting, I said we marched to the embassy of the US and demand they behead the stupid quarter-back who support dog fight. And oh oh, I am upset with bull fighting too, I said we marched to the embassy of Spain and demand…oh but first, let me wished them good luck in the World Cup (Espana to win World Cup! Torres! Torres! Torres!). And snails, I love snails…

By: worrier

worrier — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:28:35 +0000

WWF has its priority list of endangered species, and assuming that they are reporting truth, they have really done quite good work in trying to save them: applying pressure on government and policy decision-makers, organizations, setting up reserve areas, etc. But, seriously, it’s really hard to fight market demand, and many illegal poaching is still on-going.

Here’s the list from WWF: http://www.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/