Which endangered shark species are most affected by this trade?

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Thresher and Silky Sharks Are Most Affected by the Trade

Hong Kong authorities recently seized a record 26 tonnes of smuggled shark fins, originating from an estimated 38,500 endangered animals. The vast majority of these fins belonged to thresher and silky sharks, both species identified as being critically endangered. This significant bust underscores the ongoing impact of the shark fin trade on vulnerable marine populations.
Record Seizure Highlights Scale of Illegal Trade

The 26-tonne seizure in Hong Kong represents the largest such bust in the city's history, significantly surpassing previous records. The consignment was discovered within two containers that had arrived from Ecuador. Each of the two containers held 13 tonnes of shark fins, with this total haul breaking the prior record of 3.8 tonnes seized in 2019.
Thresher and Silky Sharks Identified as Primary Victims

The seized fins were primarily sourced from thresher and silky sharks. Both of these species are classified as endangered, meaning their populations are at a very high risk of extinction in the wild. The sheer volume of fins confiscated indicates a substantial impact on these specific shark populations.
Trade Continues Despite Conservation Efforts

The sale and consumption of shark fin are not illegal in Hong Kong, provided they are licensed. Despite years of advocacy by conservationists and a noted decrease in popularity among younger generations in several Asian regions, the dish remains a persistent feature at traditional banquets and gatherings. This continued demand fuels the illegal trade, even as international efforts aim to protect endangered species like the thresher and silky sharks.

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Which endangered shark species are most affected by this trade?

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