Vital to preserve marine ecosystem

The New Paper reprinted an edited version of an article written by SMU Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan for The Business Times, published on June 30. Assoc Prof Tan highlighted that the public consumption of sharks’ fin in Singapore has declined in recent years as a result of successful "say no to shark fin" campaigns. However, Singapore was the third largest importer of shark fin between 2005 and 2013. Shark conservation is not about sharks alone but about sustainability, oceanic health, and robust commercial fisheries. Much more can and needs to be done to reduce the consumption and, particularly, the sale and trade of sharks’ fin in Singapore. “Apathy can be overwhelmed by the power of grassroots and regulatory action to make a positive difference. Given the inter-connectedness of humans, wildlife and the environment, this is where a multi-stakeholder approach and tougher regulation can make that crucial difference,” he wrote.