Hong Kong customs seize almost 2 tonnes of dried shark fins
On 9 November, the Hong Kong Customs and Excise department seized 1.9 tonnes of dried shark fins (valued at HK$1.4 million) believed to have been cut from endangered shark species in a container arriving in Hong Kong from Indonesia.
A spokesperson from the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (“the C&E“)discovered that the batch of suspected scheduled sharks fin were mixed with non-scheduled sharks fin inside the container. Through risk assessment, the seizure was made by the C&E officers after the container was selected for inspection at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. The case is now being investigated by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (“AFCD”).
The sale of shark fin continues to be legal in Hong Kong although sellers are required to hold a license. The sale of shark fins from endangered shark species is, however, a violation of the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586). The import and export of an endangered species or its parts without a licence attracts a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of HK$10 million.
The seizure of dried shark fins was unfortunately preceded by another seizure earlier this year in May when custom officers confiscated 26 tonnes of endangered species fins (valued at HK$8.6 million) which were found in two containers from Ecuador. The 26 tonnes of shark fins is the largest seizure of shark fin in Hong Kong to date and was over double the total amount of endangered species fins seized in 2019. The AFCD believes that the 26 tonnes of shark fins had been removed from 31,000 thresher sharks and 7,500 silky sharks.
In relation to these 26 tonnes of shark fin, Danny Cheung, a customs official of the C&E, told reporters that: -
“each consignment consisting of 13 tonnes broke the previous record of 3.8 tonnes of controlled shark fins made in 2019”.
It is critical that we continue advocating for shark conservation and saying no to shark fin soup. We should also support the valuable work of shark conservation charities such as the Hong Kong Shark Foundation. Through education and awareness, we can make a difference.
Earlier this week, an endangered hammerhead shark was spotted at the Aberdeen Wet Market. Hammerhead sharks are not indigenous to Hong Kong waters which naturally meant this shark was illegally imported into Hong Kong for sale.
In related news, Florida became the 15th state in the Unites States to ban the shark fin trade. The Kristin Jacobs Ocean Conservation Act (SB680) recently signed into law, means a ban for shipping shark fins across state borders as well as the import or shipping of international fins through Florida, but still allows local fishermen to continue fishing.
Courtesy of Daphne Ng.
Main Sources: SCMP, HKFP, DimSum Daily