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On October 27 2011 08:00 Blasterion wrote:Show nested quote +On October 27 2011 07:59 LeaD wrote:On October 27 2011 07:37 LanTAs wrote:On October 27 2011 07:29 oldgregg wrote:
What happens to the de-finned sharks once the Chinese fellas have cut off their fins? Do they just sink and die horrible deaths? Yep. Shark meat is not very delicious at all because its a bit too tough and chewy, sharks have cartilage which is pretty much useless, no idea what the skin can be used for but the teeth could probably be sold for $10 dollars a piece at a gift store in Hawaii, and the whole jaw+teeth maybe around $200? The fins are worth the most because, well, they're fucking delicious.I'm Chinese, i love shark fin soup+shark fin products (i even had shark fin mooncake once, wasn't too good at all ._.), and I'm willing to stop eating shark fin so that the next generation can try this ancient Chinese delicacy. There are many restaurants in Hong Kong and over here on the West Coast that are already replacing or taking off shark fin off their menu already, anticipating the ban and using alternatives or just not even serving it at all. Does no one actually read the thread? The fin doesn't add anything to your soup. You could replace the fin with noodles or a variety of things and it will taste the same. The broth is what makes it delicious. The only reason there is "shark fin" soup is because it is a symbol of status. You just have no taste
No, genius, it's proven. There is an example in this very thread. Did you not see the video earlier? He's one of the most famous chefs in the world and his pallet FAR exceed yours or mine, and he didn't taste anything special either. Maybe you should read up, my taste is far better than someone that enjoys having a dying species in his soup even though it adds no special flavor.
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Use the whole thing don't just take what you want and throw the rest back. That goes for any animal. Big game hunters and fishermen that do this are garbage people and should be treated as such. Props to those that respect, eat, and harvest all of their kill.
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On October 27 2011 08:03 Body_Shield wrote:
The point of animal cruelty is pretty much moot in this situation. When you get down to brass tacks, it's all about if they keep heading in this direction, there will be no more sharks to fin, therefore no soup.
You can leave animal cruelty and wasteful practice completely out of the argument, because the actual outcome is the worst outcome. Using animal cruelty paints you in a 'hippy' kind of light to 'Conservative' type people, and if you've noticed, they tend to ignore and dismiss hippies.
This is the unfortunately reality. Strangely I find it's similar to the whole Global Warming/Environmental Protection cause, but that's for another day.
What? I think the animal cruelty aspect of it is a HUGE issue.
And I don't care if some asshole thinks that makes me a hippie. I judge conservatives as ignorant a-holes too, .. so it goes....
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I don't know much about it, but I heard that shark fin is unbelievably good
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On October 27 2011 08:07 ReturnStroke wrote:
I don't know much about it, but I heard that shark fin is unbelievably good
it just tastes like noodles with a bit of snap. it's so overrated.
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On October 27 2011 08:07 LeaD wrote:Show nested quote +On October 27 2011 08:00 Blasterion wrote:On October 27 2011 07:59 LeaD wrote:On October 27 2011 07:37 LanTAs wrote:On October 27 2011 07:29 oldgregg wrote:
What happens to the de-finned sharks once the Chinese fellas have cut off their fins? Do they just sink and die horrible deaths? Yep. Shark meat is not very delicious at all because its a bit too tough and chewy, sharks have cartilage which is pretty much useless, no idea what the skin can be used for but the teeth could probably be sold for $10 dollars a piece at a gift store in Hawaii, and the whole jaw+teeth maybe around $200? The fins are worth the most because, well, they're fucking delicious.I'm Chinese, i love shark fin soup+shark fin products (i even had shark fin mooncake once, wasn't too good at all ._.), and I'm willing to stop eating shark fin so that the next generation can try this ancient Chinese delicacy. There are many restaurants in Hong Kong and over here on the West Coast that are already replacing or taking off shark fin off their menu already, anticipating the ban and using alternatives or just not even serving it at all. Does no one actually read the thread? The fin doesn't add anything to your soup. You could replace the fin with noodles or a variety of things and it will taste the same. The broth is what makes it delicious. The only reason there is "shark fin" soup is because it is a symbol of status. You just have no taste No, genius, it's proven. There is an example in this very thread. Did you not see the video earlier? He's one of the most famous chefs in the world and his pallet FAR exceed yours or mine, and he didn't taste anything special either. Maybe you should read up, my taste is far better than someone that enjoys having a dying species in his soup even though it adds no special flavor.
For someone that never had it you sure can talk, we are not disagreeing on the ban, just saying you are getting too ahead of yourself
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The taste from shark fin soup is from the broth, not the fin itself. You can have chicken comb soup and the taste will be the same.
For those who don't know, 70 million sharks were caught in 2010 according to the shark fin soup wikipedia. 70 MILLION. Yesterday when I heard some guy on the discovery channel say that I thought i misheard it or that he was misinformed because I felt there was no way that 70 million sharks were killed. No matter how you look at it that's pretty staggering. It's unfortunate for any animal that a country of over a billion people finds delicious.
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On October 27 2011 08:11 Blasterion wrote:Show nested quote +On October 27 2011 08:07 LeaD wrote:On October 27 2011 08:00 Blasterion wrote:On October 27 2011 07:59 LeaD wrote:On October 27 2011 07:37 LanTAs wrote:On October 27 2011 07:29 oldgregg wrote:
What happens to the de-finned sharks once the Chinese fellas have cut off their fins? Do they just sink and die horrible deaths? Yep. Shark meat is not very delicious at all because its a bit too tough and chewy, sharks have cartilage which is pretty much useless, no idea what the skin can be used for but the teeth could probably be sold for $10 dollars a piece at a gift store in Hawaii, and the whole jaw+teeth maybe around $200? The fins are worth the most because, well, they're fucking delicious.I'm Chinese, i love shark fin soup+shark fin products (i even had shark fin mooncake once, wasn't too good at all ._.), and I'm willing to stop eating shark fin so that the next generation can try this ancient Chinese delicacy. There are many restaurants in Hong Kong and over here on the West Coast that are already replacing or taking off shark fin off their menu already, anticipating the ban and using alternatives or just not even serving it at all. Does no one actually read the thread? The fin doesn't add anything to your soup. You could replace the fin with noodles or a variety of things and it will taste the same. The broth is what makes it delicious. The only reason there is "shark fin" soup is because it is a symbol of status. You just have no taste No, genius, it's proven. There is an example in this very thread. Did you not see the video earlier? He's one of the most famous chefs in the world and his pallet FAR exceed yours or mine, and he didn't taste anything special either. Maybe you should read up, my taste is far better than someone that enjoys having a dying species in his soup even though it adds no special flavor. For someone that never had it you sure can talk, we are not disagreeing on the ban, just saying you are getting too ahead of yourself
Yes, you`re disagreeing on the ban. Should I go to a restaurant and ask for the broth? Have some added noodles and I'm getting the same flavor as you. Sorry, I'll trust the people that have studied this and a world renowned chef over your opinion. Meh, this is pointless, I have lab work to do.
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I'm a vegetarian so my position should be clear about his.
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On October 27 2011 08:22 LeaD wrote:Show nested quote +On October 27 2011 08:11 Blasterion wrote:On October 27 2011 08:07 LeaD wrote:On October 27 2011 08:00 Blasterion wrote:On October 27 2011 07:59 LeaD wrote:On October 27 2011 07:37 LanTAs wrote:On October 27 2011 07:29 oldgregg wrote:
What happens to the de-finned sharks once the Chinese fellas have cut off their fins? Do they just sink and die horrible deaths? Yep. Shark meat is not very delicious at all because its a bit too tough and chewy, sharks have cartilage which is pretty much useless, no idea what the skin can be used for but the teeth could probably be sold for $10 dollars a piece at a gift store in Hawaii, and the whole jaw+teeth maybe around $200? The fins are worth the most because, well, they're fucking delicious.I'm Chinese, i love shark fin soup+shark fin products (i even had shark fin mooncake once, wasn't too good at all ._.), and I'm willing to stop eating shark fin so that the next generation can try this ancient Chinese delicacy. There are many restaurants in Hong Kong and over here on the West Coast that are already replacing or taking off shark fin off their menu already, anticipating the ban and using alternatives or just not even serving it at all. Does no one actually read the thread? The fin doesn't add anything to your soup. You could replace the fin with noodles or a variety of things and it will taste the same. The broth is what makes it delicious. The only reason there is "shark fin" soup is because it is a symbol of status. You just have no taste No, genius, it's proven. There is an example in this very thread. Did you not see the video earlier? He's one of the most famous chefs in the world and his pallet FAR exceed yours or mine, and he didn't taste anything special either. Maybe you should read up, my taste is far better than someone that enjoys having a dying species in his soup even though it adds no special flavor. For someone that never had it you sure can talk, we are not disagreeing on the ban, just saying you are getting too ahead of yourself Yes, you`re disagreeing on the ban. Should I go to a restaurant and ask for the broth? Have some added noodles and I'm getting the same flavor as you. Sorry, I'll trust the people that have studied this and a world renowned chef over your opinion. Meh, this is pointless, I have lab work to do.
why are you getting all angry? just have a taste and tell us if you don't like it
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On October 26 2011 18:12 Leeoku wrote:So my home town (mississauga) in ontario, canada just banned it recently. Today, the big move was when Toronto decided to ban it too. This prohibits sale/consumption of the product. Reason being, fishers just caught a shark, cut the fin and threw it back into the water (They may as well have kept the shark for other meat etc). Also there is the argument the shark population has been endangered because of it. The main problem with finning is throwing a finless shark back into the ocean. It seems more of an ethics case than overhunting. Still an issue but ethics seems to be the defining arguement. Also a key point, most people dont use shark meat , so 90%+ of the animal is wastedWhy shark fin? It is a traditional, cultural Chinese dish. I believe it is 2nd in rank in terms of delicacy next to abalone. High quality fin can go up to $1,100/kg. Obviously the asian community is very upset about this. Stores/restaurants have expressed rage at loss in sales and other Chinese people think it is hindering their food culture. Thoughts/opinions if the ban came to your town? Show nested quote +City Councillors were treated to a standing ovation from a packed public gallery after they voted overwhelmingly for a bylaw banning the possession, sale and consumption of shark fin.
Restaurateurs were upset that the ban targets shark fin soup, a delicacy in Chinese restaurants, while conservationists hailed the decision as a way to protect sharks from possible extinction.
“This is amazing,” said Rob Stewart, who produced the documentary film Sharkwater and has been lobbying Toronto councillors for weeks to take action.
“My heart has all the warm butterflies inside,” a jubilant Stewart said after the vote. “I couldn’t feel better.”
Stewart said Toronto’s move, in addition to similar decisions by Mississauga, Oakville and Brantford, ups the pressure on the federal government to ban shark fin imports to Canada.
“I think it will set a precedent morally that Canada wants to ban shark fins and I think a federal ban will follow shortly after,” he said. “When your biggest city comes out and says 38-4 that they want a world where sharks have a future, I think the federal government will act, too.”
Council supported a ban despite a warning from city solicitor Anna Kinastowski that if the city were taken to court, there would be “challenges” in defending a ban.
Chinese restaurateurs, who had turned out in big numbers to oppose the ban, will look at their legal options, said Barbara Chiu, executive director of the Toronto Chinese Business Association
“Obviously, the businesses are very disappointed about the outcome and the whole process,” Chiu said. “The council didn’t listen to the solicitor.
“We are considering this (court action) but we don’t have any conclusion right now. It’s the businesses that are considering it. They will talk about it.”
Sonny Liu, manager of Kyu Shon Hong, a Dundas St. W. grocery store said he sells about 2 kilograms of shark fin a year. He couldn’t say his exact revenue from the fins, though one fin can sell for up to $1,100 a kilogram. As for the ban, he said, “I don’t mind, but I feel it’s unfair.”
Steven Chiu, owner of another store on Dundas, said the ban will cost him between $5,000 to $6,000.
He sells 50 or so annually, mostly during Chinese New Year, They vary in price according to size, the tail fin being the most expensive. “This is crazy,” he said about the ban.
The debate began Tuesday afternoon with Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker floating an inflatable shark in the council chamber, prompting a 10-minute recess to retrieve the shark.
Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday deplored the practice of removing fins and throwing the sharks back in the water to die, but he said it wasn’t council’s role to intervene.
“It’s not our job to police the world’s oceans,” Holyday said.
Councillors supporting the ban argued that it was no different than banning the sale of other items such as ivory from elephant tusks to protect the species.
About 150 protesters gathered had gathered outside Toronto city hall in a rally organized by local Chinese-Canadian business groups. Many wore signs saying “An unfair and irresponsible act.”
“If they are talking about species endangerment and the shark fishery, it should be addressed to the fed government instead of being discussed at a city council meeting,” said Chiu.
Asked if her group would oppose a national ban on shark fin products, Chiu said they would like to work with Ottawa on ways to combat illegal shark fishing but “we are not suggesting a national ban because the shark fishery is one of the major industries in Canada.
“We should not only ban one part of the shark, one part of the fish.”
The proposed bylaw would impose steep fines on anyone caught selling, consuming or possessing shark fin: $5,000 for a first offence, $25,000 for a second, $100,000 for a third or subsequent offence. Restaurant inspectors would check for shark fin during the regular course of their work.
Shark fin soup is a traditional Chinese delicacy often served at weddings. Proponents of a ban argue “finning”, the practice of severing fins from live sharks and tossing them back in the ocean to die, is inhumane. They also say certain shark species have been endangered by demand for fins.
Earlier this month, council’s licensing and standards committee voted 6-0 in favour of a ban. Its chair, Councillor Cesar Palacio (Ward 17, Davenport), said Mayor Rob Ford supported the decision.
Mississauga, Brantford and Oakville recently enacted bans, as did California. An NDP MP plans to propose a national ban, and Councillor Michelle Berardinetti (Ward 35 Scarborough Southwest), whose husband is a Liberal MPP, said she knows provincial politicians will seek an Ontario ban.
The licensing and standards committee voted against the advice of city licensing chief Bruce Robertson, who argued the city does not have the authority to ban shark fin. Top municipal lawyer George Rust-D’Eye, hired by the pro-ban Berardinetti, told the committee that Robertson was incorrect.
But Rust-D’Eye acknowledged that a lawsuit challenging a ban could result in a prolonged court battle that could end up in the Supreme Court.
The city would give restaurant owners until September 2012 to sell shark fin they had already purchased before the ban was enacted. http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1075837--council-bans-sale-consumption-of-shark-fin?bn=1
Even though it isn't humane to throw that shark back into the water just to suffer that isn't my biggest issue with the fin soup. It is that millions of people are STARVING in Asia yet a huge source of food is being throw back into the ocean when it should be going to the people.
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Sacrificing sharks for something that is tasteless? What a complete waste of a creature and food.
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I support banning sharkfin soup.
On October 26 2011 18:41 T.O.P. wrote:
It's an example of the majority infringing on the rights of the minority. The law unfairly targets people of Chinese descent by banning one of their cultural traditions.
And finning sharks and throwing them back into the ocean does what for the sharks exactly? Driving species to extinction isn't a right, or privilege.
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On October 27 2011 08:26 NoobSkills wrote:Show nested quote +On October 26 2011 18:12 Leeoku wrote:So my home town (mississauga) in ontario, canada just banned it recently. Today, the big move was when Toronto decided to ban it too. This prohibits sale/consumption of the product. Reason being, fishers just caught a shark, cut the fin and threw it back into the water (They may as well have kept the shark for other meat etc). Also there is the argument the shark population has been endangered because of it. The main problem with finning is throwing a finless shark back into the ocean. It seems more of an ethics case than overhunting. Still an issue but ethics seems to be the defining arguement. Also a key point, most people dont use shark meat , so 90%+ of the animal is wastedWhy shark fin? It is a traditional, cultural Chinese dish. I believe it is 2nd in rank in terms of delicacy next to abalone. High quality fin can go up to $1,100/kg. Obviously the asian community is very upset about this. Stores/restaurants have expressed rage at loss in sales and other Chinese people think it is hindering their food culture. Thoughts/opinions if the ban came to your town? City Councillors were treated to a standing ovation from a packed public gallery after they voted overwhelmingly for a bylaw banning the possession, sale and consumption of shark fin.
Restaurateurs were upset that the ban targets shark fin soup, a delicacy in Chinese restaurants, while conservationists hailed the decision as a way to protect sharks from possible extinction.
“This is amazing,” said Rob Stewart, who produced the documentary film Sharkwater and has been lobbying Toronto councillors for weeks to take action.
“My heart has all the warm butterflies inside,” a jubilant Stewart said after the vote. “I couldn’t feel better.”
Stewart said Toronto’s move, in addition to similar decisions by Mississauga, Oakville and Brantford, ups the pressure on the federal government to ban shark fin imports to Canada.
“I think it will set a precedent morally that Canada wants to ban shark fins and I think a federal ban will follow shortly after,” he said. “When your biggest city comes out and says 38-4 that they want a world where sharks have a future, I think the federal government will act, too.”
Council supported a ban despite a warning from city solicitor Anna Kinastowski that if the city were taken to court, there would be “challenges” in defending a ban.
Chinese restaurateurs, who had turned out in big numbers to oppose the ban, will look at their legal options, said Barbara Chiu, executive director of the Toronto Chinese Business Association
“Obviously, the businesses are very disappointed about the outcome and the whole process,” Chiu said. “The council didn’t listen to the solicitor.
“We are considering this (court action) but we don’t have any conclusion right now. It’s the businesses that are considering it. They will talk about it.”
Sonny Liu, manager of Kyu Shon Hong, a Dundas St. W. grocery store said he sells about 2 kilograms of shark fin a year. He couldn’t say his exact revenue from the fins, though one fin can sell for up to $1,100 a kilogram. As for the ban, he said, “I don’t mind, but I feel it’s unfair.”
Steven Chiu, owner of another store on Dundas, said the ban will cost him between $5,000 to $6,000.
He sells 50 or so annually, mostly during Chinese New Year, They vary in price according to size, the tail fin being the most expensive. “This is crazy,” he said about the ban.
The debate began Tuesday afternoon with Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker floating an inflatable shark in the council chamber, prompting a 10-minute recess to retrieve the shark.
Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday deplored the practice of removing fins and throwing the sharks back in the water to die, but he said it wasn’t council’s role to intervene.
“It’s not our job to police the world’s oceans,” Holyday said.
Councillors supporting the ban argued that it was no different than banning the sale of other items such as ivory from elephant tusks to protect the species.
About 150 protesters gathered had gathered outside Toronto city hall in a rally organized by local Chinese-Canadian business groups. Many wore signs saying “An unfair and irresponsible act.”
“If they are talking about species endangerment and the shark fishery, it should be addressed to the fed government instead of being discussed at a city council meeting,” said Chiu.
Asked if her group would oppose a national ban on shark fin products, Chiu said they would like to work with Ottawa on ways to combat illegal shark fishing but “we are not suggesting a national ban because the shark fishery is one of the major industries in Canada.
“We should not only ban one part of the shark, one part of the fish.”
The proposed bylaw would impose steep fines on anyone caught selling, consuming or possessing shark fin: $5,000 for a first offence, $25,000 for a second, $100,000 for a third or subsequent offence. Restaurant inspectors would check for shark fin during the regular course of their work.
Shark fin soup is a traditional Chinese delicacy often served at weddings. Proponents of a ban argue “finning”, the practice of severing fins from live sharks and tossing them back in the ocean to die, is inhumane. They also say certain shark species have been endangered by demand for fins.
Earlier this month, council’s licensing and standards committee voted 6-0 in favour of a ban. Its chair, Councillor Cesar Palacio (Ward 17, Davenport), said Mayor Rob Ford supported the decision.
Mississauga, Brantford and Oakville recently enacted bans, as did California. An NDP MP plans to propose a national ban, and Councillor Michelle Berardinetti (Ward 35 Scarborough Southwest), whose husband is a Liberal MPP, said she knows provincial politicians will seek an Ontario ban.
The licensing and standards committee voted against the advice of city licensing chief Bruce Robertson, who argued the city does not have the authority to ban shark fin. Top municipal lawyer George Rust-D’Eye, hired by the pro-ban Berardinetti, told the committee that Robertson was incorrect.
But Rust-D’Eye acknowledged that a lawsuit challenging a ban could result in a prolonged court battle that could end up in the Supreme Court.
The city would give restaurant owners until September 2012 to sell shark fin they had already purchased before the ban was enacted. http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1075837--council-bans-sale-consumption-of-shark-fin?bn=1 Even though it isn't humane to throw that shark back into the water just to suffer that isn't my biggest issue with the fin soup. It is that millions of people are STARVING in Asia yet a huge source of food is being throw back into the ocean when it should be going to the people.
Shark meat is contaminated by high levels of mercury, it's not exactly fit for daily human consumption so I can't see that working.
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On October 26 2011 19:21 Phayze wrote:
Chinese people are dying of starvation and there are thousands of sharks thrown into the ocean to rot in the sea daily. I dont see how Shark Fin soup is justifiable. It's not like the soup is leaving their culture, it will always be there. Just should not be a prominent mainstay of their culture.
Brah, get out of here with that ignorance. You can't actually eat shark meat because it's poisonous to your body.
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On October 27 2011 08:26 Blasterion wrote:Show nested quote +On October 27 2011 08:22 LeaD wrote:On October 27 2011 08:11 Blasterion wrote:On October 27 2011 08:07 LeaD wrote:On October 27 2011 08:00 Blasterion wrote:On October 27 2011 07:59 LeaD wrote:On October 27 2011 07:37 LanTAs wrote:On October 27 2011 07:29 oldgregg wrote:
What happens to the de-finned sharks once the Chinese fellas have cut off their fins? Do they just sink and die horrible deaths? Yep. Shark meat is not very delicious at all because its a bit too tough and chewy, sharks have cartilage which is pretty much useless, no idea what the skin can be used for but the teeth could probably be sold for $10 dollars a piece at a gift store in Hawaii, and the whole jaw+teeth maybe around $200? The fins are worth the most because, well, they're fucking delicious.I'm Chinese, i love shark fin soup+shark fin products (i even had shark fin mooncake once, wasn't too good at all ._.), and I'm willing to stop eating shark fin so that the next generation can try this ancient Chinese delicacy. There are many restaurants in Hong Kong and over here on the West Coast that are already replacing or taking off shark fin off their menu already, anticipating the ban and using alternatives or just not even serving it at all. Does no one actually read the thread? The fin doesn't add anything to your soup. You could replace the fin with noodles or a variety of things and it will taste the same. The broth is what makes it delicious. The only reason there is "shark fin" soup is because it is a symbol of status. You just have no taste No, genius, it's proven. There is an example in this very thread. Did you not see the video earlier? He's one of the most famous chefs in the world and his pallet FAR exceed yours or mine, and he didn't taste anything special either. Maybe you should read up, my taste is far better than someone that enjoys having a dying species in his soup even though it adds no special flavor. For someone that never had it you sure can talk, we are not disagreeing on the ban, just saying you are getting too ahead of yourself Yes, you`re disagreeing on the ban. Should I go to a restaurant and ask for the broth? Have some added noodles and I'm getting the same flavor as you. Sorry, I'll trust the people that have studied this and a world renowned chef over your opinion. Meh, this is pointless, I have lab work to do. why are you getting all angry? just have a taste and tell us if you don't like it
I have had it, plenty of times, soup and noodles, same taste, less dead sharks. You continue being ignorant and I'll continue having the same taste you do without the added useless shark fin. Deal?
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On October 26 2011 18:41 T.O.P. wrote:
It's an example of the majority infringing on the rights of the minority. The law unfairly targets people of Chinese descent by banning one of their cultural traditions.
The environment is more important than a cultural custom that involves killing animals for a small part of their body.
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On October 27 2011 08:35 Enki wrote:Show nested quote +On October 27 2011 08:26 NoobSkills wrote:On October 26 2011 18:12 Leeoku wrote:So my home town (mississauga) in ontario, canada just banned it recently. Today, the big move was when Toronto decided to ban it too. This prohibits sale/consumption of the product. Reason being, fishers just caught a shark, cut the fin and threw it back into the water (They may as well have kept the shark for other meat etc). Also there is the argument the shark population has been endangered because of it. The main problem with finning is throwing a finless shark back into the ocean. It seems more of an ethics case than overhunting. Still an issue but ethics seems to be the defining arguement. Also a key point, most people dont use shark meat , so 90%+ of the animal is wastedWhy shark fin? It is a traditional, cultural Chinese dish. I believe it is 2nd in rank in terms of delicacy next to abalone. High quality fin can go up to $1,100/kg. Obviously the asian community is very upset about this. Stores/restaurants have expressed rage at loss in sales and other Chinese people think it is hindering their food culture. Thoughts/opinions if the ban came to your town? City Councillors were treated to a standing ovation from a packed public gallery after they voted overwhelmingly for a bylaw banning the possession, sale and consumption of shark fin.
Restaurateurs were upset that the ban targets shark fin soup, a delicacy in Chinese restaurants, while conservationists hailed the decision as a way to protect sharks from possible extinction.
“This is amazing,” said Rob Stewart, who produced the documentary film Sharkwater and has been lobbying Toronto councillors for weeks to take action.
“My heart has all the warm butterflies inside,” a jubilant Stewart said after the vote. “I couldn’t feel better.”
Stewart said Toronto’s move, in addition to similar decisions by Mississauga, Oakville and Brantford, ups the pressure on the federal government to ban shark fin imports to Canada.
“I think it will set a precedent morally that Canada wants to ban shark fins and I think a federal ban will follow shortly after,” he said. “When your biggest city comes out and says 38-4 that they want a world where sharks have a future, I think the federal government will act, too.”
Council supported a ban despite a warning from city solicitor Anna Kinastowski that if the city were taken to court, there would be “challenges” in defending a ban.
Chinese restaurateurs, who had turned out in big numbers to oppose the ban, will look at their legal options, said Barbara Chiu, executive director of the Toronto Chinese Business Association
“Obviously, the businesses are very disappointed about the outcome and the whole process,” Chiu said. “The council didn’t listen to the solicitor.
“We are considering this (court action) but we don’t have any conclusion right now. It’s the businesses that are considering it. They will talk about it.”
Sonny Liu, manager of Kyu Shon Hong, a Dundas St. W. grocery store said he sells about 2 kilograms of shark fin a year. He couldn’t say his exact revenue from the fins, though one fin can sell for up to $1,100 a kilogram. As for the ban, he said, “I don’t mind, but I feel it’s unfair.”
Steven Chiu, owner of another store on Dundas, said the ban will cost him between $5,000 to $6,000.
He sells 50 or so annually, mostly during Chinese New Year, They vary in price according to size, the tail fin being the most expensive. “This is crazy,” he said about the ban.
The debate began Tuesday afternoon with Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker floating an inflatable shark in the council chamber, prompting a 10-minute recess to retrieve the shark.
Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday deplored the practice of removing fins and throwing the sharks back in the water to die, but he said it wasn’t council’s role to intervene.
“It’s not our job to police the world’s oceans,” Holyday said.
Councillors supporting the ban argued that it was no different than banning the sale of other items such as ivory from elephant tusks to protect the species.
About 150 protesters gathered had gathered outside Toronto city hall in a rally organized by local Chinese-Canadian business groups. Many wore signs saying “An unfair and irresponsible act.”
“If they are talking about species endangerment and the shark fishery, it should be addressed to the fed government instead of being discussed at a city council meeting,” said Chiu.
Asked if her group would oppose a national ban on shark fin products, Chiu said they would like to work with Ottawa on ways to combat illegal shark fishing but “we are not suggesting a national ban because the shark fishery is one of the major industries in Canada.
“We should not only ban one part of the shark, one part of the fish.”
The proposed bylaw would impose steep fines on anyone caught selling, consuming or possessing shark fin: $5,000 for a first offence, $25,000 for a second, $100,000 for a third or subsequent offence. Restaurant inspectors would check for shark fin during the regular course of their work.
Shark fin soup is a traditional Chinese delicacy often served at weddings. Proponents of a ban argue “finning”, the practice of severing fins from live sharks and tossing them back in the ocean to die, is inhumane. They also say certain shark species have been endangered by demand for fins.
Earlier this month, council’s licensing and standards committee voted 6-0 in favour of a ban. Its chair, Councillor Cesar Palacio (Ward 17, Davenport), said Mayor Rob Ford supported the decision.
Mississauga, Brantford and Oakville recently enacted bans, as did California. An NDP MP plans to propose a national ban, and Councillor Michelle Berardinetti (Ward 35 Scarborough Southwest), whose husband is a Liberal MPP, said she knows provincial politicians will seek an Ontario ban.
The licensing and standards committee voted against the advice of city licensing chief Bruce Robertson, who argued the city does not have the authority to ban shark fin. Top municipal lawyer George Rust-D’Eye, hired by the pro-ban Berardinetti, told the committee that Robertson was incorrect.
But Rust-D’Eye acknowledged that a lawsuit challenging a ban could result in a prolonged court battle that could end up in the Supreme Court.
The city would give restaurant owners until September 2012 to sell shark fin they had already purchased before the ban was enacted. http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1075837--council-bans-sale-consumption-of-shark-fin?bn=1 Even though it isn't humane to throw that shark back into the water just to suffer that isn't my biggest issue with the fin soup. It is that millions of people are STARVING in Asia yet a huge source of food is being throw back into the ocean when it should be going to the people. Shark meat is contaminated by high levels of mercury, it's not exactly fit for daily human consumption so I can't see that working.
Sorry, but I eat Fish, Shark, Alligator almost every day. The reports are about people who eat fish that are high in mercury every day for every meal. That is overpowering on the system, but eating it in moderate amounts is fine it passes through your system and then your system is ready for another round. I must admit however I am not sure how the sharks off the coast of Asia are, perhaps they might be more mercury heavy, but in limit this meat could still be used.
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I, for one, am in favor of this.
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You're right, the shark fin itself has no taste. And this is one of the most retarded soups that exists. Actually i bet most of the soups the people in this thread claimed to have had were made with fake shark fins anyway which just goes to show you the fin itself doesn't provide anything to the soup.
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EPT
