Shark fins in Vava’u taken down EU to ban shark finning

The anti-shark finning campaigners in Tonga, ‘Aunofo Havea and Tongan US resident ‘Eseta Schaaf posted and shared on Facebook this morning June 9 an image featuring shark fins that recently hanging up to dry in a shelter in Vava’u to have been disappeared.

The shark fins belonged to a Chinese-owner of a Supermarket in Neiafu and a store woman confirmed they “were acquired from local fishermen and divers”.

Kalauni o Tonga Voyaging Society president ‘Aunofo Havea last week called to “stop killing sharks for their fins in Tonga” and asked the Chinese owner to take the fins down.

It was not clear whether the removal of the fins was because of the request from the Voyager’s President or it was for processing purpose.

“Let's make sure they didn't take it to their backyard instead,” Ms Schaaf, President of Keep Vava'u Green Organisation says on Facebook.

The campaign which was believed to have had an impact on the shark finning operater in Vava'u,  has been applauded by anti-shark finning activists and conservationists saying it was “a great and Excellent conservation work”.

There is no law in Tonga to protect finning of sharks, a practice described by many as “unjust” and “inhumane”.

Tonga’s shark finning episode emerged as the European Union agreed on Thursday to tighten an existing ban on "shark finning".

EU says new laws have been in place and they "require fishermen to land all sharks with their fins “naturally attached.”

They will also “forbid shark finning by all vessels in EU waters and by all EU-registered vessels anywhere in the world, a move its supporters believe will put pressure on countries where the practice is common”.

Photo on June 8
Photo on June 8
Photo on May 14
Photo on May 14

 

About The Author

Sometimes when a business is growing, it needs a little help.

Right now Kaniva News provides a free, politically independent, bilingual news service for readers around the world that is absolutely unique. We are the largest New Zealand-based Tongan news service, and our stories reach Tongans  wherever they are round the world. But as we grow, there are increased demands on Kaniva News for translation into Tongan on our social media accounts and for the costs associated with expansion. We believe it is important for Tongans to have their own voice and for Tongans to preserve their language, customs and heritage. That is something to which we are strongly committed. That’s why we are asking you to consider sponsoring our work and helping to preserve a uniquely Tongan point of view for our readers and listeners.

spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img

Latest news

Related news