Shark killings

Puerto Lopez, Ecuador – April 2012

A thresher shark carcass lies on the beach after its fins were already cut off, Puerto Lopez, Ecuador. Although the targeted shark fishing remains illegal in Ecuador, the presidential decree allows free trade of sharks from accidental by-catch and commercialisation of shark fins. Most of the shark fins are exported to Asia where the shark's fin soup is believed to boost sexual potency and to prevent heart diseases. As the income levels in China have risen during the recent years, the demand for the shark fins has dramatically increased worldwide and has put many shark species populations on the road to extinction.

The work on a photo essay covering shark fishing in Ecuador is in progress.