Biggest shark fin seizure in Hong Kong history.
On 6 May 2020, Hong Kong Customs Officials made their largest ever shark fin seizure, uncovering 26 tonnes taken from 38,500 endangered sharks inside a pair of shipping containers from South America. Each container contained more than 300 nylon bags of dried shark fins, with about 90 per cent of the goods coming from Thresher and Silky sharks, both protected species.
The containers had arrived from Ecuador within 10 days of each other in January 2020, but the shark fin was only discovered when officers opened the containers at their Kwai Chung cargo examination compound on April 28 and May 4. According to Assistant Superintendent Danny Cheung Kwok-yin of the Customs and Excise Marine Enforcement Group, both consignments were sent from the same shipper to the same Hong Kong logistics company. A 57 year old man and the owner of the logistics firm was arrested and subsequently granted bail. Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, Cap 586, importing, exporting or possessing endangered species without a licence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail and a HKD$10 million fine.
Earlier this year, Customs had already confiscated 15 tonnes of shark fin (worth approximately $5.4 million) and made two arrests. In 2019, the total volume of shark fin seized was 12 tonnes (worth HKD$8.9 million), with 13 people arrested. The figures from the two most recent years demonstrated heightened vigilance by Hong Kong Customs Officers to the shark fin trade, compared to 2018 where Customs officers seized a total of 641kg of shark fin (worth HKD$510,000) and made only five arrests. The Assistant Superintendent explained the rise in seizures was a result of enhanced inspections and intelligence exchanges with Mainland China and other countries.
Hong Kong accounts for more than 40 per cent of the global shark fin trade, with most of the shark fin imported entering via the ocean route. The shark fin trade only exists in Hong Kong as a consequence of demand. Always support shark-fin free restaurants and eateries and choose sustainable seafood. By reducing consumption and increasing consumer awareness of its cruelty, it is hoped that not only will it lead to environmental conservation but also to restore shark populations to a healthy level.
Main source: SCMP