Shark fin imports to Hong Kong, which is the largest fin trading hub in the world, have been cut by half since 2007, owing to shipping bans and tighter international regulations, according to a conservation group.
Between 2007 and 2017, re-exports also dropped by three quarters, which suggests a “declining market for shark fin in mainland China”, World Wildlife Fund in Hong Kong said. Two-fifths of global shark fin stocks pass through Hong Kong to other export markets.
The group said that the results compiled from government data “promising” and an indicator that environmental campaigns, including increasing pressure on shipping companies to stop carrying the fins, as well as improved monitoring of shipping documents, were having an effect.