Argumentative Essay On Shark Killing
The research question that I will be discussing in my essay is: the nature of Environmental law, internationally and domestically in relation to the killing of species of sharks and whales and the interplay this has with ethics and morals.
I was largely influenced to write on this topic as I am interested in the friction that can occur between ethics and politics where environmental issues are concerned.
INTRO ON SHARKS AND WHALES GENERALLY;
The killing of sharks and whales by humans is a very important environmental issue that needs consideration and action from the public at large. This research question will allow for this issue to be examined in regards to the law surrounding it, and the way in which it interacts with society and the …show more content…
Millions of sharks are killed each year around the world for their fins or are culled for safety. These reasons are hardly justifiable when examining the cruel ways in which they are carried out. Within this research topic the questions arise of whether any of this cruelty is necessary or justifiable and whether it can be described as ethical, therefore leading us to discover who the real predator is in the equation.
HISTORICAL REASONS FOR FINNING:
Some species of sharks are targeted by fisheries largely for their fins, and other products such as their meat, cartilage, skin, and liver oil. International organisations estimate that fishermen kill over 70 million sharks each year by finning.
The main market for shark is in Asian countries, where the fins are used as the main ingredient for a traditional soup, and are considered a delicacy.
Shark finning has its history in the Chinese Sung dynasty, where it was believed that ingredients that were more difficult to obtain were of a higher significance and reputation. Hence, the risk involved in catching sharks served as a tribute to the emperor. This connection between shark fins and beliefs about health and vitality plays an important role in shark …show more content…
It was also a very unsustainable and dangerous project, with the drum lines not only killing sharks but the lives of other species as well.
Threatened species of sharks in Australia are protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, however many wonder if it is enough to protect the species from extinction.
An article by Andrea Dell’Apa titled “the influence of culture on the international management of shark finning” addresses the failure of traditional shark fin legislation to recognise that the main reason for shark finning is linked to cultural beliefs about sharks in traditional Chinese culture. It suggests that a social science approach rather than legislative would be useful in the design of successful education campaigns to help change individuals’ attitudes toward shark fin consumption.
As for Australia, if an unethical shark cull project can easily be implemented in WA, it seems that legislation regarding shark protection needs to be strengthened.
I was largely influenced to write on this topic as I am interested in the friction that can occur between ethics and politics where environmental issues are concerned.
INTRO ON SHARKS AND WHALES GENERALLY;
The killing of sharks and whales by humans is a very important environmental issue that needs consideration and action from the public at large. This research question will allow for this issue to be examined in regards to the law surrounding it, and the way in which it interacts with society and the …show more content…
Millions of sharks are killed each year around the world for their fins or are culled for safety. These reasons are hardly justifiable when examining the cruel ways in which they are carried out. Within this research topic the questions arise of whether any of this cruelty is necessary or justifiable and whether it can be described as ethical, therefore leading us to discover who the real predator is in the equation.
HISTORICAL REASONS FOR FINNING:
Some species of sharks are targeted by fisheries largely for their fins, and other products such as their meat, cartilage, skin, and liver oil. International organisations estimate that fishermen kill over 70 million sharks each year by finning.
The main market for shark is in Asian countries, where the fins are used as the main ingredient for a traditional soup, and are considered a delicacy.
Shark finning has its history in the Chinese Sung dynasty, where it was believed that ingredients that were more difficult to obtain were of a higher significance and reputation. Hence, the risk involved in catching sharks served as a tribute to the emperor. This connection between shark fins and beliefs about health and vitality plays an important role in shark …show more content…
It was also a very unsustainable and dangerous project, with the drum lines not only killing sharks but the lives of other species as well.
Threatened species of sharks in Australia are protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, however many wonder if it is enough to protect the species from extinction.
An article by Andrea Dell’Apa titled “the influence of culture on the international management of shark finning” addresses the failure of traditional shark fin legislation to recognise that the main reason for shark finning is linked to cultural beliefs about sharks in traditional Chinese culture. It suggests that a social science approach rather than legislative would be useful in the design of successful education campaigns to help change individuals’ attitudes toward shark fin consumption.
As for Australia, if an unethical shark cull project can easily be implemented in WA, it seems that legislation regarding shark protection needs to be strengthened.