Karli Galione

Project 2 Draft 1
Professor Bradley
10/15/15
Sharks are Friends, Not Food

Sharks are no longer at the top of the marine food chain. A smaller,
non-oceanic animal that does not live in the ocean preys on the oceans top
predator. This new top predator is killing and eating sharks faster than they
can reproduce. What animal is capable of this? Humans. Humans are known
for cutting the fins off of sharks for use in shark fin soup, mainly in the Asian
cultures. This inhumane practice is driving sharks to extinction and upsetting
the oceans ecosystems. , and something needs to be done about it. Laws
and other regulations are being put in place, but more needs to be done to
protect the sharks. the effects are not as effectivesuccessful as
conservationists might hope. The Support Our Sharks Ocean Conservation
Society is working to achieve this goal of encouraging the conservation of
sharks.Many marine biologists and shark conservationists have teamed up to
discourage shark finning around the world.
Every summer, there is a week dedicated only to sharks on Discovery
Channel. Shark Week, as it is called, has become increasingly popular.
Discovery Channel dedicates a week, called Shark Week, Its purpose is to
educate the public about sharks. SharksThese creatures are creatures that

are very misunderstood by humans. Because of attacks on humans, sharks

are believed to be very dangerous. Vic Peddemors, a shark ecologist,
explains in a Ted Talk that this is not the case. He explainsdefends that, in
Australia, one is more likely to drown than to be fatally attacked by a shark.
In 2011, there were only four fatal shark attacks, but 315 drownings.; 35 of
the drownings took place se being in the ocean, where the victimsy could
have been killed by a shark instead (Peddemors). Instead of fearing sharks,
sharks should be fearing humans.

One marine biologist, Ryan Kempster, began tThe Support Our Sharks
Ocean Conservation Society, or SOS for short. This organization, is working
across the globe to help protect sharks. He explains that oOne of the biggest
threats to these oceanic predatorssharks is shark finning. Finning is the
inhumane act of cutting the fins off of living sharks and throwing their
mutilated bodies back into the ocean (Sharks off the Menu 8). SOSs main
goal is to educate the public on this issue that could potentially damage the
entire worlds ecosystem. They also do their own research and publish news
regarding conservation efforts and anything relating to sharks. Their main
genre of communication is through digital means. This allows almost anyone
to stumble across the SOS website. Through this, they are able to reach
thousands, if not millions, of people that could make a difference in how
sharks are viewed. Their SOSs mission statement is To support healthy
oceans by promoting better protection for sharks and rays (Kempster).

The fShark fins are the main parts of sharks consumed by humans. The
meat of this creature itself is not popular. Sharks, fins and body, do not have
much flavor. Fins are only consumed in shark fin soup. Because of this, there
is no reason for fishers to keep the entire body of the shark on the boat. That
is why they throw the live, finless shark back into the ocean. It would be a
waste of space to keep what they fishers will not get paid for. This is part of
the reason that overfishing is such a problem. If less space is allowed on
boats, less sharks will be murdered.

The main reason shark finning exists ever began wasis for an Asian
dish called shark fin soup. This isThis soup is a traditional soup served at
high-classend events, such as weddings and other important events. It is
made from chicken staoclk, ham broth, and sometimes also contains
shredded chicken and other seasonings and ingredients. The fin itself has
virtually no flavor and is used purely for its texture. It is often cut into noodle
like strips, although it may be left whole for more high-end occasions. Mahr
explains that shark fin soup is seen the same as champagne is in the United
States, more as a sign of wealth than as a tasty treat.
Shark fin soup has been a traditional dish in Chinese culture dating
back to the Sung Dynasty in 960 AD (Dellapa 152). It is a way for the
Chinese to show off their wealth, generosity, and social class (153). At
weddings, this soupit is a symbol of prosperity. It is considered rude if it is
not served at an important event. It makes the family look bad and poor.

Families find it insulting if the grooms family does not serve it at a wedding
for all guests to indulge. In Chinese traditions, itIt was believed that if one
consumes wild, strong animals, it will give themyou strength (152). Not only
would eating shark make oneyou stronger, according to the Chinese, it
provided health benefits. It was believed to encourage fertility, improve the
liver, kidneys, lungs, and increase bone strength (Kempster).
In ancient Hawaii, sharks were not commonly consumed. In fact,
Dellapa explains that sharks were seen as royalty to the Native Hawaiians
(153). When consumed, it was purely by males for them to gain power and
strength. Women could not eat shark because they were associated sharks
with power, and w. Women did not have power in this society. Only certain
species of sharks could be consumedeaten to the few that were allowed to
consume shark: the hammerhead and the reef shark. All other species of
sharks were considered too sacred for mere mortalshumans to consume.
Ancient Hawaiian shark consumption laws were often punishable by death.
Only certain peoplerulers and men with a high status were able to eat sharks
other than the hammerhead and reef sharks. Those people were the rulers
and other of extremely high status. Sharks are so important to the Native
Hawaiians that when the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural
Resources tried to move sharks from tourist destinations, the Hawaiians
fought back saying it was killing our ancestors (154).

Shark finning is a big deal. ItFinning is currently driving sharks to

extinction. Shark conservationist Bertha Lo explains that the actual amount
of sharks being killed each year is unknown. It isIt is estimated that between
23 and 76 million sharks are killed per year solely for their fins. This
numberat equalsis one in every fifteen sharks (Green). Lo also states that if
shark consumption continues at its current rate, almost all sharks will be
extinct by the year 2021. Rima Jabado, a marine biologist, says that at least
seventy- four species of sharks are classified as threatened. The sawfish is
the most threatened shark species. Angel sharks, wedgefishes, guitarfishes,
and thresher shark are some of the most threatened species of sharks. other
extremely endangered species.

China is the largest importer of shark fins. Lo explainsclarifies that

Hong Kong received over 10,300 tons of shark fins from eighty- three
countries in 2011 alone. That is only equivalent to half of the annual shark
finning economy.
Many people have a false ideaassume that sharks reproduce quickly.,
like most other fish. This is not the case. Krista Mahr reports that great white
sharks do not reach sexual maturity until they are twelve to fifteen years old.
That is the length it takes most humans to reach sexual maturity. Overall,
different species of sharks can take between seven and twenty years before
they can reproduce (Green). Once reaching sexual maturity, the gestation
period is between one and two years. Not only is the gestation period longer

than that of a human, they produce just as many babies per pregnancy as
humans do (Green). Because of this, sharksThese predators-turned-prey
cannot repopulate as quickly as they are being hunted. Jennifer Schmidt
reports that many shark species have been on a sharp population decline
within the last fifteen years. Great white sharks have had a seventy nine
percent decrease, thresher sharks have decreased by eighty percent, and
scalloped hammerheads have decreased by eighty nine percent (Schmidt).
This is within only two decades. Imagine populations of humans decreasing
at such high percentages.
If sharks become extinct, imagine what would happen to the oceans
ecosytemsSharks are the keystone of many ocean ecosystems; without
them, the ocean would fall apart. Vic Peddemors explains that sharks are
needed to have a healthy, diverse ecosystem. If sharks are not present,
there will be too many fish in one area. They will proceed to eat all of the
smaller fish andor crustaceans present and leave and then leave the area
because there is no systematic regulation. If there are no fish in an area,
there will be no birds that live off of marine life. They will either eat excess
rodents or leave the area altogether. One little upset in an ecosystem can
producedoes much more damage than one might think.than previously
thought.
Not only is shark finning bad detrimental tofor the oceans ecosystems,
shark fins are dangerous to humans. In the Ming Dynasty, shark was believed
to be good for rejuvenation, appetite enhancement, nourishing to blood,

beneficial to vital energy, kidneys, lungs and bones. (Man). More recently,
this has been proven to be false. Shark contains extremely high counts of
mercury. (Man). Each country has a maximum mercury level a fish can
havemay contain before it is unsafe and cannot be sold in the market. In
Australia, the maximum level is 1,000 g/kg and three species of dog
sharks contained a mean mercury concentration of 7,200, 4,300 and
1,190 g/kg (Man). These numbers are no wherenowhere near the
appropriate maximum level. In addition, fish contain a special kind of
mercury, called methyl mercury (MeHg). MeHg is more dangerous than plain
mercury because the brain absorbs it quicker due to the chemicalsits atomic
makeup. Mercury leads to many health conditions, including memory loss,
concentration disorders, developmental problems with fine-motor skills,
visual-spatial learning disabilities, and other cognitive deficiencies (Man).
Finning is important for those in Asian countries because fin soup plays
an important role in their culture. This dish has been around since the Ming
Dynasty in the 1300s. Although it is mainly in China, many surrounding
countries also consume shark fin because many Asian cultures have
similarities. In California, when the law banning the consumption of shark fin
soup began in 2013, the people of Chinatown were outraged (Green). They
found it to be discriminating. The Chinese Americans claimed that the United
States was trying to eliminate their culture.
There will always be people that disobey laws put in place. The black
market is very much a real thing. If shark finning becomes illegal globally,

many people will loose their jobs. Restaurants may not go out of business,
but they will suffer economically. Shark fin soup can cost up to $100 a bowl.
If a family goes out to an engagement dinner to celebrate the couple, they
can spend thousands of dollars on the soup alone. Shark fin soup could
possibly keep many restaurants in business. If out of business, many more
working citizens may loose their jobs on top of those that have already been
lost due to the prevention of finning.

Because of the upset that the possible extinction of sharks is causing,

many nations are banding joining together to ban the process of shark
finning. There is no official international law that all nations have agreed
upon;, however, there is progress being made. The Conventional on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
has been working with around 180 nations, beginning with the United States
in 1974, to protect endangered species of the world. There are many
different levels to which animals are protected. This all depends on the level
at which the species isy are threatened. Unfortunately, not all nations have
agreed to honor CITES, meaning not all nations must follow their laws. Also,
exceptions can always be made. Nations can obtain permits that allow them
to still huntcontinue hunting the desired animal. Each nation may manipulate
the regulation guide that CITES recommends, andbut it is not mandatory to
follow. CITES is working to protect sharks, but it still has a far way to gohas
not fully achieved its purpose (Green).

The United States has done quite a bit of work through laws and other
regulations to discourage shark finning. In fact, it was made illegal to shark
fin in US waters in 2000 when Bill Clinton ratified the Shark Finning
Prohibition Act of 2000. This act included the act of shark finning on any US
boat, even outside of the nations waters. No unattached shark fin, including
the tail, may be on a US boat. However, the entire shark may be brought on
board and its fins may be removed once on US soil. These fish must be
recorded before the fins are removed. It is not illegal for shark fins to be
consumed or imported for the nation as a whole. This is soon to change.
Thus far, nine states have made laws against the use of shark fins for
consumption or any other use. These states include Hawaii, Washington,
Oregon, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, Virginia, New
Jersey, and Maryland (Green).
The passing of the extra shark protection lawss wereas a huge deal in
California, as there is a place called Chinatown in San FranciscoChinatown,
San Francisco, was a large shark consumer. Because shark fin soup is such a
big deal in the Chinese culture, the Chinese Americans fought against the
illegalities of shark fin consumption. They argued that it was discrimination
toward their race, but California disagreedgave no shits. Although this was a
very controversial decision, it is possibly saving millions of sharks each year.
Many other states are working to follow the few states banning shark fins
(Green).

The European Union and Central America have both put laws into place
banning the practice of shark finning (Sharks off the Menu 8). Europe
began with banning shark finning in the European Union in 2003,, but this
law has expanded more recently (Green). It is now illegal to cut the fins off
sharks at sea on any European Union flagged boat. At first, exceptions were
made that allowed fins to be cut off if the rest of the shark parts were used
efficiently (Green). This exception had to be changed, as many were cheating
the system. In Central America, shark finning is prohibited in their waters and
on Central American boats. They, like American ships, may bring the entire
shark to land and cut off its fins there though (Sharks off the Menu 8).
In China, there are currently no laws outlawing the practice of shark
finning. However, due to the laws in place in other countries, shark
consumption and imports have decreased dramatically. The article Sharks
off the Menu showsstates that, Shark fin imports to Hong Kong dropped
seventy percent between 2011 and 2012 (9). Crystal Green states that
Hong Kong imported 3,087 tons of shark fins in 2012 compared to 10,292 in
2011 (718). Unfortunately, the exact number of shark fin imports is
unknown, as it is not required for China to record the exact number of
imports each year. In all of China, imports decreased in half in 2011 alone
(718). However, the exact number of shark fin imports is unknown, as it is
not required for China to record the exact number of imports each year.
China will also no longer be serving shark fin soup at official banquets
(Sharks off the MenuSharks 9). This is a huge vital step towardin the

protection of sharks. There is still much more progress to be made, however

though. Green reports that only twenty-one Chinese restaurant owners out of
the fifty- two surveyed were aware that sharks are endangered due to the
soup they were serving (721).
In Australia, according to Schmidt, there are areas, called no go
areas, where water vessels may not enter that have become increasingly
popular. Schmidt explains that these areas contained similar numbers of
sharks to islands in the Indian Ocean where there is virtually no fishing.
Australia also has areas, called no take zones where fishing is not allowed.
Boats may enter, unlike the no go zones, but strict rules are enforced. In
the no take areas, there are significantly less sharks than in no go areas.
This is mainly due to the fact that illegal fishing still happens. If laws were
enforced, there would not be ninety seven percent less sharks in no take
areas than no go zones (Schmidt). Australia may have banned shark
finning in their waters, but they still have a long way to go before sharks will
ever feel safe there again. but sharks are not yet safe due to a lack of
enforcement.
A less commonly known way to protect sharks is to regulate which
sharks are being caught. Taiwan was one of the first countries in Asia to
place restrictions on shark finning. This nation has become an advocate for
all Asian nations to at least slow down on killing the sharks. They require that
all sharks must be brought to land before the fins may be cut off. Through
doing this, the species of each shark must be recorded. Once recorded,

nations may see which sharks are being caught most often. Because of this,
they may regulate which species of sharks may be finned (Liu).
Sharks can be farmed. The economic impact that would be made if
companies banded together to form shark farms like they do with chicken
and cattle would may keep companies in business and even create new jobs.
If finning wild sharks is banned worldwide, many people will be out of jobs.
Creating a system of farming sharks could put many of these people back in
business. Restaurants would be able to sell shark fin soup again. The worlds
economy could boom yet again. This would also help encourage the growth
of sharks. The only problem with this may be the rate at which sharks mature
sexually and their gestation period. Because both of these take an extremely
long time, shark finning will not be quite as prevalent as it currently is. This
could save sharks. It will encourage the growth of wild sharks, and
encourage growth of farm-raised sharks.
Most news about shark finning is done through online newspapers and
other online organizations. In these genres, ethos is the most important,
because these sources must be credible. Logos is also extremely important,
as facts are necessary to get the point across. If a marine biologist said that
lots of sharks are being killed for their fins each year, it is not very effective.
When a number is put on these sharks being killed, it is now put in the
correct light and becomes much more effective. While the numbers may be a
fact, the SOS website discretely uses pathos behind their logos. Speeches

and debates are also used to advocate sharks. They contain all the same
logos, pathos, and ethos as online organizations.
Shark finning is a huge issue for sharks worldwide. It is driving these
magnificent beasts hese once top predators to extinction. It is time for them
to be protected. Nations have begun working to ban the inhumane practice
of cutting the fins off live sharks, but still have a ways to go before all sharks
are safethese regulations have not been as effective as intended. This is the
mission of marine biologists and shark conservationists worldwidethe
Support Our Sharks Ocean Conservation Society. They work to educate those
around the world about the dangers of ruining the oceans ecosystem for a
bowl of soup an Asian dish. Sharks are important and continue to make the
food chain remain the way it is. However, humans of the Asian cultures are
ruining thisdisagree. Humans should not be shark-eating people, as sharks
are not man-eating killers. It is a matter of biologists vs. culture, not man vs.
shark.

Works Cited
Dell'apa, Andrea, M. Chad Smith, and Mahealani Y. Kaneshiro-pineiro. "The
Influence
of Culture on the International Management of Shark Finning."
Environmental management 54.2 (2014): 151-61. Print.

Green, Crystal. "An International Sos (Save our Sharks): How the
International Legal
Framework should be used to Save our Sharks." Pace International Law
Review 27.2(2015): 701-28. Print.

Jabado, Rima W. Gulf Elasmo Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2015.

Lo, Bertha. "Sharks Fin - What's All the Fuss About?" TEDx Talk. Wan Chai. 21
Sept.
2012. YouTube. Web.

Liu, Shang-Yin Vanson, et al. "DNA Barcoding of Shark Meats Identify Species
Composition and CITES-Listed Species from the Markets in
Taiwan." PLoS
ONE 8.11 (2013): 1-8. Print.

Mahr, Krista. "Killer Cuisine." Time International (Atlantic Edition) 176.15

(2010):
40-. Print.

Man, Yu Bon, Sheng Chun Wu, and Ming Hung Wong. "Shark Fin, a Symbol of
Wealth
and Good Fortune may Pose Health Risks: The Case of
Mercury." Environmental Geochemistry and Health 36.6 (2014): 101527.
Web.

Peddemors, Vic. Sharks or Humans Who Should be Afraid? TEDx Talk.

Canberra.
3 Oct. 2012. YouTube. Web.

Schmidt, Jennifer V. "Sharks in Decline." Shark Research Institute. N.p., 24

Aug. 2011.

Web. 14 Oct. 2015.

"Sharks Off the Menu." Earth Island Journal 28.3 (2013): 8-9. Print.

Support Our Sharks. Ryan Kempster, n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2015.

Karli,
The biggest issue I see here is how you are using your sources. You have lots
of information, but you are not introducing who your sources are. Its not
enough just to attribute the information at the end of a sentence and include
a works cited. Who is Bertha Lo and why should the reader trust her
information? I thought you quoted her from a different article.
Also, the section about how this issue relates to genre seems to be tacked on
at the end. I am less concerned about the rhetorical appeals than I am
knowing how and where this information is communicated and what the
response is. If it is a debate about culture vs conservation, then how is this
issue communicated to the culture who finds the practice of shark finning to
important? Is this an issue of ignorance among most people? Do people not
know they are eating shark fin soup, or do they not care?
C+