Date: 1/4/2008
The scalloped hammerhead shark will be placed on the World Conservation Unionâs Red List of threatened species under the heading âglobally endangeredâ in 2008 (one step below the highest rating of âcritically endangeredâ). With 233 types of shark currently on the Red List, 12 are considered âcritically endangeredâ. Nine others will join these 12 including the common thresher, shortfin, mako, tiger and bull shark. Sharks are not only caught accidentally on long lines laid out for tuna and swordfish, or swept up by bottom trawlers but are also deliberately targeted largely to satisfy Chinaâs increasing appetite for shark fin soup. Between 26 -73 million sharks pass through Hong Kongâs food market annually.
