Shark on UK plates highlights trade in endangered species

[Nicole Wrishko]

This article states that DNA tests in the UK have shown that some restaurants with shark products contain those vulnerable to extinction. It is nearly impossible for a regular consumer to be able to notice what kind of shark they are really eating. Shark fins have been known to be sold at high prices so they could be used for soup and some dishes in Asian cuisines. Abused for only their fins, the rest of the shark bodies are usually thrown back into the oceans; wasted away. Scientists discovered this in the UK by using DNA bar-coding methods. In response to the 100 samples retrieved at chip shops, the results were that out of the 78 samples on sale, 90% came from an endangered shark species known as the spiny dogfish. After watching documentaries such as "Sharkwater" and "Sharkwater Extinction", I know how important it is to preserve the shark species. Sharks are an apex predator that are apart of the backbone that sustains our marine ecosystems. Being abused just for their fins could cause a drastic imbalance in our populations.
If you would like to learn more about how big of an influence sharks are, I do recommend looking at Rob Stewart's past work. We need to pay more attention to our sharks and help others realize their importance on our planet.

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-47044101