Global responses to shark finning
The two main things need to happen to fight shark finning: spreading the word, and demanding better conservation laws / programs that protect sharks.
Awareness of shark finning is definitely growing. For change to occur, this must translate to a shift in public support for shark conservation, in areas where shark fins are traded and eaten (mostly in East Asia).
What about the response of lawmakers? Many countries have banned shark finning, including Australia, the European Union, and the United States. However this doesn’t necessarily stop consumption. For example, shark finning is illegal in Canada, but importing shark fins from places that allow finning is still allowed. In various places there are rules to stop boats from having too many fins on board, compared to the number of whole sharks. However, many loopholes in these laws allow the black market to thrive.