Why are shark fins such a problem for sharks?

Despite the act of “finning” being illegal, and stricter requirements to “land sharks whole” with their fins attached, the fin trade continues to thrive around the world. As long as fins can be freely sold and traded, shark overfishing and finning will continue. Communities, State and National legislations need to take a stand on this issue. International conventions need to draw a solid line and stop allowing the sale of detached fins, at a minimum. Any state that allows the transport of fins through their ports and allows fins to be sold inadvertently also supports the global trade of a product that is decimating sharks around the world.