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Cathay Pacific announces ban on shark fin transport
Following strong pressure from environmentalists, Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific has announced a ban on the transport of shark fins on any of its aircraft.
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Cathay Pacific says it has rejected 15 requests to transport shark-related products in the past year following an agreement with two international shark conservation agencies. (Cathay Pacific/-)
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ollowing strong pressure from environmentalists, Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific has announced a ban on the transport of shark fins on any of its aircraft; a move that has been supported by other carriers, such as Garuda Indonesia, British Airways, American Airlines, Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Emirates.
The airline stated that it had rejected 15 requests to transport shark-related products in the past 12 months following an agreement with two international shark conservation agencies.
“We understand the community’s desire to promote responsible and sustainable marine sourcing practices, and this remains important to Cathay Pacific’s overall sustainable development goals,” said the company in a press release on Wednesday.
(Read also: 2 new marine sanctuaries for sharks created in Caribbean)
Many conservation supporters have praised the carrier's new policy. “A responsible corporation like Cathay Pacific should never be seen to be a link in the supply chain for a criminal trade. Shipping sharks by air is not just an issue of sustainability, but ethics and legality," said Alex Hofford, wildlife campaigner for WildAid, as quoted by South China Morning Post.
Hong Kong reportedly saw a 42 percent drop in shark fin imports to 5,717 tons between 2010 and last year. Over the same period, there was a 72 percent drop in shark fin imports via air shipment to 450 tons. (kes)
