From apathy to multi-stakeholder action for our biodiversity

• Main Author: EUGENE, Tan K. B.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2017
• Subjects: Asian Studies; Commercial Law
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sol_research/3846; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/sol_research/article/5804/viewcontent/20170630_BT_Opinion_27_33x15.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

SMU Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan highlighted that the public consumption of sharks’ fin in Singapore has declined in recent years as a result of successful "say no to shark fin" campaigns. However, Singapore was the third largest importer of shark fin between 2005 and 2013. Shark conservation is not about sharks alone but about sustainability, oceanic health, and robust commercial fisheries. It's also about enlightened self-interest at its core. As a major food source, the oceans are critical to our food supply and security. As a maritime nation, commercial fisheries are important to us as well. Much more can and needs to be done to reduce the consumption and, particularly, the sale and trade of sharks’ fin in Singapore. In the medium-term, there should be serious consideration of a moratorium on sharks’ fin trade and, eventually, a ban.