Most Singaporeans want law to cut shark fin consumption: WWF survey

(Shark fin soup is seen by many Asians as a rare delicacy. Photo: AFP)

Three-quarters of people in Singapore in a survey think the government is not doing enough to protect sharks and want a law in place to cut consumption and trade of shark fin.

According to the survey by WWF-Singapore released Wednesday (3 February), more than half of those surveyed ate less shark fin in the past 12 months. Around 82 per cent said a shark fin soup alternative would be acceptable at banquets, with most of them opting for a double-boiled soup as a substitute.

Over three-quarters of them said they would pay more for responsibly fished seafood.

Elaine Tan, CEO of WWF-Singapore, said the findings showed that the majority of the public were concerned about conservation of shark species. “It is time for business to step up and match the public’s expectations, stop selling shark fin and support sustainable seafood,” she said.

Several governments in Asia have banned shark fin from being served at official functions in the past few years, including in Malaysia, China, and Hong Kong. The government of Brunei has gone further by banning all trade of shark fin, and the catching of shark species in its waters.

Jonn Benedict Lu, Regional Director Asia Pacific, WildAid Shark Savers, urged Singapore to do likewise.

“Many countries have already imposed a banqueting ban at official government funded functions, entertainment and dining affairs…Shark fin soup is an exotic, expensive and environmentally destructive dish,” Lu said.

With the Chinese New Year around the corner, when consumption of shark’s fin soup typically soars, Lu urges the Singaporeans surveyed to do their part in shark conservation.

“We are appealing to the 75 per cent of Singaporeans who support government legislation to lower shark fin trade and consumption, to help us take the conservation message to dinner tables,” he said.

The survey involved 504 respondents aged between 18 and 60, and was conducted in October and November last year.