Home | Animals/Pets | Having Shark Fin Soup or Clam Chowder?

Cruise Vacations
Engagement Rings
Free Online Games
Gift Baskets
Handbags
Jewelry
Personal Loans
Real Estate
Shopping
Student Loans

SafetyIssues encourages consumers to read the labels and do the research before using any new products.

Having Shark Fin Soup or Clam Chowder?

Staff Writer

Font size:

The intentional hunting of sharks, primarily for shark fin soup, appears to have drastically reduced shellfish populations such that clam chowder, the American soup favorite, has disappeared from the menu of many East Coast restaurants.

As strange as that may seem, the biological equation is quite clear. When shark numbers are high, they feed on species such as skates and rays – which eat bivalves, like clams and oysters. Fewer sharks mean more skates and rays which means fewer shellfish.

The published research of a world-renowned fisheries biologist at Dalhousie University, Ransom Myers, who died early this year, showed that shark hunting along with unintentional shark deaths when they get caught in trawler nets, resulted in 98 percent declines in populations of tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks and blacktip sharks along the East Coast.

The decline in shark numbers led to the dramatic increase in species they prey upon, particularly cownose rays. Legions of cownose rays along with other skate and ray species have wiped out bay scallops, clams, and maybe, soon, oysters.

In the Chesapeake Bay area, the large cownose ray population could now consume 840,000 metric tons (nearly 2 billion pounds) of bivalves annually.

Fishermen along the coast of Virginia and Maryland landed only 300 tons (around 661,380 pounds) of bivalves in 2003. This catch is much lower than the historical average catch for the area.

Researchers at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, fear that the demand for shark fin soup has threatened the economically important bivalve fisheries and also resulted in an ecological and culinary bankruptcy.

Perhaps those who hanker for shark fin soup should also be aware of something about sharks: they can be full of dangerous pollutants. Sharks are at the top of the food chain, and contaminants eaten by smaller animals down the chain become concentrated in shark bodies.

In another recent study by researchers at Stockholm University, the team found that Greenland sharks, which live in the most sparsely populated regions on Earth, contain high concentrations of man-made industrial wastes. The main source of these wastes – polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCB – has been banned for over 30 years.

These findings thus demonstrate the longevity of these dangerous compounds in the environment and how top predators may carry these substances around in their bodies for decades. Greenland sharks have a normal lifespan above 100 years.

The 10 female shark samples studied were accidentally caught and killed in trawl fisheries near Iceland.

The highest concentration found was for the world’s most toxic dioxin, TCDD, a chemical found in Agent Orange herbicide used by the US military during the Vietnam War. The herbicide was also used for other purposes from 1961 to 1971.

The second highest concentration was for a furan, TCDF, which is a byproduct of combustion from power plants, incineration of garbage and other industrial processes.

Safety Tip: Avoid having shark fin soup. This will spare you from pollutants and, hopefully, it will help bring clam chowder back.

Rate this article:

3.50

Email to a friend

To:

Bcc:

Your email address:

Message:
Print version
Plain text

Add to: Add to your del.icio.us

del.icio.us | Digg this story

Digg

Comments (54 posted):

bjj kimono on 05/15/11 02:12:57

It's my first time visiting here. I discovered countless intriguing stuff within your weblog especially the on-going conversation. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I'm not the only person relishing reading your website. Carry on the good work.

Reverse Phone Lookup on 05/27/11 03:12:20

I visited this page first time and found it Very Good Job of acknowledgment and a marvelous source of info.........Thanks Admin!

cure bronchitis on 07/01/11 01:10:07

Heya thanks for sharing this information...have been researching all over yahoo and google and could not really locate a decent content about this.

hair loss on 08/16/11 08:17:34

Gotta love em sharks fins! mmm..

Christian Louboutin Outlet on 08/21/11 02:43:34

My dear friends, do you want to be more sexy in people's eyes? Just come in, please!
We are international trade that specializes in the <a href="http://www.highheelshoesstore.com"title="http://www.highheelshoesstore.com"> Christian Louboutin Heels</a>. Christian Louboutin is your best choice! Our products are authentic quality with original box. <a href="http://www.highheelshoesstore.com"title="http://www.highheelshoesstore.com"> Discount Christian Louboutin </a>will cost you less money.So, please don’t hesitate, just contact us for details ! We will be your reliable business partner!
Welcome to our website:==http://www.highheelshoesstore.com== Thank you!

juicy couture handbags on 08/23/11 05:02:43

I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post.

web design company on 08/23/11 10:51:59

This was really interesting to know..u made many good points regarding this..It was interesting..keep sharing !!

blu electric cigarette on 09/01/11 10:05:57

Shark fin soup is a popular soup item of Chinese cuisine usually served at special occasions such as weddings and banquets, or as a luxury item in Chinese culture.

how to lose weight on 09/02/11 12:18:14

I wonder how it taste like? I have not tried eating soup made out of out shark..lol

resorts in cambodia on 09/18/11 07:10:45

I will definitively come back to more times this year! Thanks for informative post.

paramount golf foreste brochure on 09/20/11 06:25:57

Paramount Golf Foreste Noida, which has been built of green building concept is Vaastu compliant ,spacious and richly build. A paradigm of architectural excellence of the project has over 65% open space developed as High class landscape.

Sylvia on 09/26/11 03:20:14

Looking for tips on how to prepare a delicious potato soup? Check it out at www.vssm.org

Sylvia
www.vssm.org

Sylvia on 09/26/11 03:20:26

Looking for tips on how to prepare a delicious potato soup? Check it out at www.vssm.org

Sylvia
www.vssm.org

Sylvia on 09/26/11 03:20:27

Looking for tips on how to prepare a delicious potato soup? Check it out at www.vssm.org

Sylvia
www.vssm.org

Sylvia on 09/26/11 03:20:27

Looking for tips on how to prepare a delicious potato soup? Check it out at www.vssm.org

Sylvia
www.vssm.org

Web Design Company on 10/04/11 02:07:47

I think shark hunting rate is very less due to some helpful steps by animal rights organization.

Credit Calculator on 10/14/11 06:30:53

i wanted to thanks you for this sharing.
thanks

website templates on 11/01/11 06:04:49

Clam chowder is any of several chowders containing clams and broth.

be yourself quotes on 11/09/11 07:22:15

Scary! It's my dream to touch a shark but I'm seriously doubting that now.

Medieval Weapons on 11/14/11 04:17:07

A shark expert from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography said great white sharks pass through the area, and the man’s massive wounds were characteristic of what a great white could do.

Farid bedjaoui on 11/14/11 06:25:03

I am totally agree with your opinion.this blog post is very encouraging to people who want to know these topics.

sensaslim on 11/14/11 06:58:14

I just read through The entire article of yours and it was quite good. This is a great article thanks for sharing this information. I will visit your blog for some Regularly latest post.

hho generator on 11/25/11 11:17:33

I believe there are several more pleasurable sessions in the future for those who check out your blog.

seo services on 11/28/11 06:57:03

There’s usability, but there’s also common sense in where you spend your time implementing.

Buy Zovirax Online on 11/30/11 04:32:05

Thanks for sharing it,i was not aware about it.

find cell phone on 12/01/11 08:52:52

This is our first in a series of Visual Studio 2008 tutorials. In this lesson we will simply get Visual Studio 2008 installed for the first time. We will start with a fairly fresh Windows 2003 server, but the same process will work for Windows XP or Vista, of course.

Once you have completed following along with this tutorial, you will have Visual Studio 2008 installed and running on your computer.

Whether you will be focusing on C#, Visual Basic, ASP, C++, or whatever, this is the first step in working with VS2008.

This video was requested through our request a video form - click here to make a request
Title: Installing Microsoft Visual Studio 2008
Length: 05:00
Keywords: Visual Studio, Microsoft, C#, .net, VB, ASP, ASP.net,
VS.net, programming, coding, development
SEO / Web Consulting
One on one consulting with
a true Web & SEO pioneer
Michael Kovnick Start your own Web Business
Be a Domain Reseller
Make money selling domains & hosting.
WildWestDomains
Whorush: 4 sites by this AdSense ID

Set as favorite
Bookmark
Email This
Hits: 59768
Trackback(0)
trackbackTrackBack URI for this entry
Comments (57)Add Comment
feedSubscribe to this comment's feed
1 2 3 4 5 > Last ›
hemorrhoid removal at home
written by hemorrhoid removal at home, November 28, 2011
such an amazing blog you have posted dear i like it and also suggesting it to my friends for visiting your blog because it has really admirable and informative data which provide us through your blog so i would like to thank you for sharing it with us and also appreciate you on this so keep it up
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +0
...
written by phone number lookup, October 30, 2011
very indebt tutorial
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +0
yeah
written by Phone number lookup, October 17, 2011
i can totally understand how this can prove to be very useful
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +0
Thanks for information!
written by payday loans online, October 04, 2011
This article is really useful, and I think many people agree with me. Why I can said that, because this article really different with others. Many people can write easily, but they can’t write as good as your article.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +0
magento
written by magento, September 11, 2011
Great article...and usefull for magento to.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +1
Well written text
written by Fast cash loans, September 01, 2011
Many companies utilize VS 2008 in some form to run their payroll, benefits, vacation time allotments, etc.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: -1
XP Black
written by Brad B, August 30, 2011
I cannot install Visual Studio 2008 on Windows XP Black Edition.
Is it impossible to install it on that platform?
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +0
...
written by Organic Lotions, August 28, 2011
Thanks for sharing this. It will help me alot I think.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +0
MW Messwerkzeuge
written by MW Messwerkzeuge, August 27, 2011
The Visual Studio have made me pro. Any of its version perfect for coding. Thank you very much for the information of installation.

report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +1
VS 2008
written by Orlando online payroll, August 22, 2011
Visual Studio 2008 has helped to change how many businesses operate, especially in their HR departments. VS 2008 offers many possibilities that companies did not have before. Many companies utilize VS 2008 in some form to run their payroll, benefits, vacation time allotments, etc. I have yet to personally experience VS 2010 but am aware that it has many improvements over the 2008 version. Plus VS 2010 is compatible with Windows 7.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: -1
1 2 3 4 5 > Last ›

Write comment
feedShow/Hide comment form
You can add your comment here

busy

trace cell on 12/04/11 03:51:11

This is a great article thanks for sharing this information. I will visit your blog for some Regularly latest post.

freelance writer on 12/07/11 05:25:53

Interesting article as I have understood sharks are in danger! They could to be cooked! Sharks....lol.... time changes everything!

freelance writer on 12/07/11 05:27:41

Interesting article as I have understood sharks are in danger! They could to be cooked
! Sharks....lol.... time changes everything!

track a cell phone on 12/14/11 10:48:35

I also will probably anticipate other interesting posts you closer to the inside future.keep.

Karylle on 12/15/11 09:23:54

Wow! very useful articles. I write the things I'd like to read about. If anyone else likes it, that's a nice bonus.

Karylle
www.tulleeho.org

how to lose belly fat on 12/25/11 10:26:04

Resources, tips and information to career management. Find details on how to prepare yourself for interviews, write a powerful and sellable resume and ensure you are getting noticed by global recruiters and more.

Books and Manuals on 12/27/11 09:31:52

I'm impressed. You're truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. I'm saving this for future use.

Claire
www.imarksweb.net
Marks Web

how to lose belly fat on 01/01/12 03:27:43

Doctors of my generation have experienced dramatic changes in the way we access the information we need to care for patients.

buy steroids on 01/04/12 12:25:22

Great piece of details that you’ve obtained on this website submit. Hope I might get some a lot more of the stuff in your website. I will are available back again.

Joseph on 01/09/12 09:59:05

I’m impressed. Very informative and trustworthy blog does exactly what it sets out to do. I’ll bookmark your weblog for future use.

Joseph
www.joeydavila.com

Daily deals on 01/10/12 11:16:21

Bed and breakfasts promise the warmth and comfort of home for those on the road. But, how many of us are cozily welcomed home with a glass of wine by the fire or awoken by the smell of coffee and freshly baked scones every day?

Dublin daily deals on 01/19/12 06:14:09

Cooperation hotel and travel agency bring benefits to both parties, based on agreed-upon contract agreement. So that can bring good news for travelers or business people to get a cheap price to get a hotel using a voucher hotels.

Daily deals on 01/19/12 07:02:12

Breast enhancement on 01/23/12 04:01:33

This is a smart blog. I mean it. You have so much knowledge about this issue, and so much passion. You also know how to make people rally behind it, obviously from the responses. Youve got a design here thats not too flashy, but makes a statement as big as what youre saying. Great job, indeed.

Second mortgages on 01/23/12 11:05:00

Killing a shark just for its fins is not right.

Buy African Mango on 01/24/12 09:02:11

After reading this post, I got a lot of information out of it. Never seen such great post like this before.

background check on 01/24/12 06:38:55

how many of us are cozily welcomed home with a glass of wine by the fire or awoken by the smell of coffee and freshly baked scones every day?

offices dubai on 01/25/12 08:07:04

strong your build

Dallas County Jail on 01/27/12 04:40:02

Clam chowder is made with clam juice, minced clams, potatoes, bacon, onion and pepper and milk.

select medical pennsylvania on 01/30/12 08:55:23

Nice information, beneficial and excellent style, seeing that share great things using ideas and ideas, a whole lot information and facts plus motivation. Thanks for the terrific details. Plus many thanks for discussing.

insurance plans for pregnant women on 01/30/12 09:17:23

Excellent and fantastic sundown observed via powering any rock and roll which has a gap within it. Thank you giving the helpful issue.

maine affordable health insurance initiative 2009 on 02/01/12 08:58:50

This is nice post i has been awaiting pertaining to a very post so i have got accumulated some valuable information and facts because of this website. Thank you for discussing these records.I recently planned to get away from some sort of review as a token regarding gratitude. I need to bring this opportunity to publish to your account from my cardiovascular.I must say i enjoyed your web site.Ive never read through a real amazing article.

term life insurance quotes online on 02/01/12 09:04:41

I won't put it off to visit your degrees of how your hand writing offers advanced! I will be enthusiastic about the many kinds that fretting hand composing requires. I really like collecting older postcards simply to see the writing.

vermont insurance department on 02/01/12 09:14:07

I just ran into your own document and get been recently looking through coupled. I want to show my personal love of your respective composing ability plus chance to generate viewers study right from the start to your conclude.

online health insurance quotes connecticut on 02/01/12 09:20:30

Wonderful content! Irrrve never discovered telemedicine previous to. It is actually interesting how it works along with effect folks. Frequently for educational composing company in addition to compose a piece of writing about backyard garden treatment. Your post should help me a good deal.

Geo Tracker Air Conditioner Compressor on 02/07/12 02:53:13

Well, I'm so delighted that I have found your post because I have been seeking some information regarding it for nearly 3 hours. You helped me a lot without a doubt

Make Solar Panel on 02/07/12 10:12:18

You have so much knowledge about this issue, and so much passion. You also know how to make people rally behind it, obviously from the responses. Youve got a design here thats not too flashy, but makes a statement as big as what youre saying. Great job, indeed.

car runs on water on 02/07/12 10:13:18

I recently planned to get away from some sort of review as a token regarding gratitude. I need to bring this opportunity to publish to your account from my cardiovascular.I must say i enjoyed your web site.Ive never read through a real amazing article.