Shark slaughter (preview)

Manta, Ecuador – September 2012

Every morning, tens of shark bodies and hundreds of shark fins are sold on the beach of Manta, 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 whole photo essay, covering the extensive shark fishing in Ecuador, will come up at the end of the month.