Issue 112 - September 2024

SEVENSEAS Media Takes a Stand Against Shark Fin Consumption in Thailand

Photo Banner Credit: Sebastián Losada

SEVENSEAS Media is proud to announce the launch of a new campaign to end shark fin consumption in Thailand. Despite global awareness of the devastating impact of shark finning on marine ecosystems, the practice continues, driven by outdated traditions and misconceptions about status. Our campaign is dedicated to educating and empowering the younger generation to take charge of changing these harmful habits.

Why This Campaign Matters

Shark finning is a brutal practice that has driven many shark species to the brink of extinction. Globally, shark populations have declined by over 70% in the last 50 years, with some species facing imminent extinction. In Thailand, shark fin consumption is mistakenly believed to be on the decline. However, the reality is that shark fins are still widely available, especially in urban centers like Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya, where they are sold to both tourists and the older generation.

Shark Fin: An Outdated Status Symbol

For decades, shark fin soup has been associated with wealth and celebration. However, this status symbol is based on an ecologically destructive practice and is increasingly frowned upon. Younger generations in Thailand are more aware of environmental issues and reject shark fin consumption, but more needs to be done to shift societal norms. Our campaign aims to debunk the myth that shark fin is a necessary part of Thai-Chinese culture, emphasizing instead the wealthy culinary heritage that Thailand should be proud of.

The Global Context

Globally, shark fin consumption has declined, particularly in China, where public awareness campaigns have significantly reduced demand. However, Thailand remains a significant player in the shark fin trade as a consumer and a hub for re-exporting shark fins to other countries. Without continued vigilance, there is a risk that consumption could rise again, mainly if the practice is seen as less controversial.

Focus on Youth and Generational Change

Our campaign will primarily target the younger generation, who are more connected, environmentally conscious, and likely to influence change within their families. We can create a ripple effect that will reach even the most entrenched traditionalists by empowering young people with the knowledge and tools to speak out against shark fin consumption. If we remain vigilant and persistent, we could see a generational shift away from shark fin consumption within the next two decades.

Challenges and Solutions

While our goal is to nearly phase out local shark fin consumption in Thailand within the next 10-15 years, driven by the natural decline in the older generation that traditionally consumes shark fin and the growing awareness among younger Thais, significant challenges remain. The younger population is increasingly rejecting shark fin due to their environmental consciousness, and as this trend continues, local demand is expected to drop significantly. However, the problem still needs to be solved.

57% of urban Thais nationwide have consumed or still consume shark fin on some occasion, and 61% would like to consume shark fin in the future, citing curiosity and having heard that shark fin tastes good when, in fact, shark fin has no taste at all but comes from a seasoned broth.

Bangkok remains a significant processing center and trading hub for shark fin, not just within Thailand but also for export to other countries. Even as local consumption declines, the trade and processing of shark fins could continue to thrive, fueled by demand from different markets. This perpetuates the destructive practice and undermines efforts to protect global shark populations.

The key to overcoming this challenge is raising awareness across all demographics and building a strong national pride in Thailand’s marine heritage. As local demand decreases and public education increases, social pressure can become a powerful tool to push for legislative changes. By fostering a sense of responsibility and pride among Thais—where they do not want their country associated with the destruction of the oceans—there is hope that the nation will not only phase out local consumption but also take decisive action to limit or ultimately end the shark fin trade altogether.

Our vision is for Thailand to be known not as a hub for the destruction of sharks but as a leader in ocean conservation. Thais should feel a sense of pride in their seas and their role in protecting marine life, including sharks. By transforming social attitudes and enacting strong legislation, Thailand can stand against shark finning and become a beacon of hope for preserving the world’s oceans.

SEVENSEAS Media is committed to making a lasting impact on shark conservation in Thailand, but we cannot do it alone. We call on all Thais, young and old, to join us in this fight against an outdated and harmful practice. Together, we can ensure that future generations inherit a world where sharks thrive, and the ocean’s balance is restored.

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Related Topics:shark fin soup shark fins

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Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email Here.

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Issue 112 - September 2024

Nominations For the 2025 Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ Are Now Open!

Nominations for the prestigious Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ are open now through November 18th. Often referred to as the ‘Academy Awards for the Ocean’, these honors commemorate Peter Benchley, a lifelong advocate for sharks and ocean preservation and the renowned author of the iconic novel Jaws. Founded to recognize individuals across an array of fields that impact the ocean, the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ honor those providing innovative solutions to the challenges facing our ocean, ecosystems, wildlife, and climate. Award categories include:

Excellence in National Leadership – Awarded to the representative of a nation that has made an exceptional contribution to the conservation, restoration, and appreciation of our global ocean.
Excellence in Policy—Awarded to an individual who contributes to advancing the cause of sustainable ocean use and conservation based on the best available science and through the establishment of effective and enforceable laws and regulations.
Excellence in Action—Awarded to a marine grassroots organization, team, or individual that has made a major and long-term commitment to improving the quality of our oceans and the communities that depend on them.
Excellence in Science and Exploration—Awarded to an individual or organization that contributes to our understanding of the ocean through cutting-edge marine science and/or bold exploration and courageous efforts to uncover new and different aspects of our ocean planet.
Excellence in Media – Awarded to an individual or media outlet that showcases an exceptional ability to communicate ocean issues of concern to the public in ways that inform and/or inspire people to act as engaged citizens.
Excellence in Sustainable Business Solutions – Awarded to a business that helps find or create sustainable solutions to one of the many environmental challenges confronting our ocean.
Christopher Benchley Youth Award – Awarded to a young person who, early in life, has already made a significant contribution to marine conservation and public education about our ocean.
Ocean Hero—Awarded to an individual who shows exceptional ability in communicating ocean issues of concern to the public in ways that inform and/or inspire people to act.

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Wendy Benchley – Ocean Conservation and Policy Advocate
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Dr. Sylvia Earle – Pioneering Oceanographer, National Geographic Explorer in Residence, and Founder of Mission Blue Sylvia Earle Alliance
David Helvarg – Author, Founder and Executive Director, Blue Frontier
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John Racanelli – CEO, National Aquarium
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The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards was co-founded by Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg and named in honor of Peter Benchley, author of Jaws and lifelong shark and ocean advocate. The Benchley Awards recognize and celebrate the work and dedication of individuals committed to ocean conservation excellence. https://peterbenchleyoceanawards.org/

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Karim was published in National Geographic magazine for his humpback whale photography. He now leads his own trips so that others can swim with whales.

If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales, Karim guides people on small trips between August and October every year in Tonga. Visit www.dancewithwhales.com to find out more

To see more of Karim’s work, visit his website at www.karimphotography.com