Shark fin ban catches on in China, more major airlines onboard

Shark fins, which cost between HK$2,880 ($369) and HK$3,580 ($459) per Chinese catty (1 pound), are on display inside a dried seafood store in Hong Kong January 2, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

China Eastern Airlines became the latest major Chinese carrier to ban the transport of shark fins, marking another victory for endangered species protection in the country.

In response to a WildAid petition letter, China Eastern Airlines Group, which operates China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines, China Cargo Airlines and China United Airlines, confirmed that all of its major carriers will end shark fin shipments starting on May 15.

China Eastern's move came one week after China Southern, the country's largest carrier by passenger numbers, made a similar move. Air China joined the movement much earlier though, becoming the first Chinese mainland-based airline to ban shark fin cargo back in January.

Alex Hofford, the Hong Kong representative of conservation group WildAid and major brainpower behind the recent petitions, welcomed these airlines' supportive attitude. "WildAid applauds China Eastern Airlines for also banning shark fin cargo as the only sustainable course of business action," Hofford said in a statement.

Following progress in the Asian Pacific, WildAid keeps pressuring United States-based carriers, including multinational names such as FedEx and United Airlines, which still profit from shark fin cargo, according to Hofford.

After recent strides in petitioning the transport sector, WildAid is now shifting their focus to restaurants, especially those in Hong Kong where shark fins are deemed an important specialty in local cuisine.

WildAid is pushing Maxim's, Hong Hong's biggest restaurant chain to "start behaving responsibly", according to Hofford.

Targeting shark fin-related companies can supplement the traditional strategy, known for the widespread slogan: "When Buying Stops, The Killing Can Too!", which pins hopes on educating consumers.

"In this case we would say when the selling stops, the killing can too," said Hofford.

Chinese airlines' unanimous action on the ban comes amid increasing public awareness of animal rights.

Retired NBA star Yao Ming, widely seen as the face of Chinese sports, has been partnering with WildAid on the shark fin ban in recent years.