中国大陆、香港及台湾的鱼翅和蝠鲼鳃贸易研究（英文）_94页-2mb

Summary of SHARK FIN AND MOBULID RAY GILL PLATE TRADE in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan

Core Content

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the shark fin and mobulid ray gill plate trade in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, focusing on trade patterns, market dynamics, and regulatory challenges. It highlights the role of these regions in global shark fin trade and the need for improved compliance with CITES regulations and traceability measures.

Main Points

• Global Trade Dominance: Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan collectively account for over 90% and 70% of global shark fin imports and (re)exports, respectively, between 2005 and 2011. Hong Kong is the largest hub for CITES-listed shark fin trade, handling up to 40% of the global trade.
• Trade Decline: Customs data show a significant decline in shark fin trade across all three regions, especially from 2009 onwards. However, potential illegal trade may indicate that the decline is not as substantial as official data suggest.
• Regional Trade Patterns:
  • Hong Kong: Dominates both import and (re)export of shark fins, with most of its trade directed to mainland China. Despite this, Hong Kong's reported trade volumes differ significantly from those recorded by Customs.
  • Taiwan: Exports a large proportion of its shark fin to Hong Kong, but there is no record of CITES-listed shark fin exports to Hong Kong. Most of its trade is directed to mainland China.
  • Mainland China: Has a comprehensive but less detailed system for recording shark fin trade, with a focus on overall volume rather than specific species or processing methods.
• E-Commerce Trends:
  • Limited shark fin advertisements are found due to anti-sale policies on e-commerce platforms, but some B2B sites still facilitate large-scale trade.
  • Mobulid ray gill plates are more commonly advertised on e-commerce sites, likely due to less restrictive policies. These are mostly sold on C2C platforms, with smaller transactions.
  • E-commerce shops are concentrated in southern China, especially Guangdong Province, with 79% of identified shops located there.
• Processing and Sourcing:
  • Shark fins are processed through drying, soaking, and removal of scales, skin, and bones.
  • Fresh shark fins lose up to 75% of their weight after drying, and an additional 65-70% after further processing.
  • Processing moved from Hong Kong to mainland China in the 1980s due to regulatory and environmental reasons.
  • Most shark fin sold in Beijing/Shanghai and Hong Kong is sourced from outside the region, while in Taiwan and Guangzhou/Shenzhen, a higher proportion is locally sourced.

Key Information

• CITES Listings: In 2013, seven shark and ray species were listed in Appendix II of CITES, including the Oceanic Whitetip Shark, Porbeagle Shark, and manta rays. These listings took effect in September 2014.
• Species Awareness: Shopkeepers often lack knowledge of the specific species they are selling, with only 15% identifying species for shark fins and 20% for mobulid ray gill plates.
• Market Concentration:
  • Shark fin markets are spread along the coast of mainland China.
  • Mobulid ray gill plates are more concentrated in southern China, especially Guangdong.
• Consumption Trends:
  • Shark fin consumption is still strong in coastal cities, with potential expansion into inner cities.
  • Mobulid ray gill plates are more likely to be consumed by households as tonics rather than in restaurants.
• Processing and Trade Routes:
  • Jin Shan Fin is the most common type sold in both Hong Kong and Beijing/Shanghai.
  • Trade routes include imports from the USA, Mexico, and Latin America, but these do not align with actual trade volumes recorded by Customs.

Recommendations

• Hong Kong: Improve monitoring and reporting of shark fin and manta ray gill plate trade, ensure accurate separation of CITES-listed products from mixed shipments, and enhance cooperation with trade partners.
• Mainland China and Taiwan: Ensure all shark and ray products are legally sourced and traded with correct species identification and documentation. Develop traceability systems from harvest to export.
• Training and Awareness: Provide training for frontline officers and traders on CITES regulations, product identification, and legal sourcing practices.
• Market Surveillance: Monitor both physical and e-commerce markets to verify the legality of shark fin and mobulid ray gill plate products, ensuring correct labelling of species and origin.
• Customs Code Enhancement: Introduce specific customs codes in mainland China and Taiwan to distinguish between raw and processed shark fin products.
• Inter-Authority Cooperation: Establish joint task forces and regular data exchanges between relevant authorities in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to combat illegal trade.
• Consumer Behavior Change: Implement evidence-based strategies to reduce demand for shark fin and mobulid ray gill plate products.

Conclusion

The report underscores the complexity of the shark fin and mobulid ray gill plate trade in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, emphasizing the need for improved regulation, traceability, and enforcement to ensure sustainable and legal trade practices.