Below are some resources that you might like to use for your inquiry. It is not an exhaustive list but will provide you with a starting point. If you find other resources or videos that you find useful, please let your teacher know and she will add them to this list.
What it is
http://www.sharkwater.com/education.htm Great overview of shark finning facts to start you off.
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/community-reports/shark-finning-a-horrifying-crime-1.1326409 A really good overview of the shark finning issue in the United Arab Emirates
Frequently Asked Questions about shark finning – a great overview! http://www.sharktrust.org/en/finning_faqs
http://ocean.si.edu/ocean-news/shark-finning-sharks-turned-prey This gives information about causes, shark fin soup, the possibility of extinction and the impact this will have on the eco-system, and the progress that’s been made to solve this issue.
http://animals.howstuffworks.com/endangered-species/shark-finning.htm Another good overview about shark finning and its effects
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0qkr2cIe5c - Shark finning video with explanation. Sad and a bit gruesome but it shows you what the situation is like and how the finning of sharks is done. On youtube so you will have to watch it at home
http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/videos/ Range of shark finning related videos
Causes
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/archive/shark-fin-hungry-china-drives-chaotic-fishing-in-indonesia/ This is about how the Chinese consumption of shark fin soup and powder puts pressure on Indonesian fishermen to catch large amounts of sharks, and the impact that has on shark populations
http://sharkangels.org/index.php/issues-facing-sharks/shark-fin-soup
Information about shark fin soup and the impact the trade has on the environment and on people
http://www.sharktrust.org/en/shark_fin_trade Overview of the shark fin trade, has some links to other sites and resources and also includes diagrams of sharks and their fins
Shark Fin Soup
http://www.sharktruth.com/learn/history-of-shark-fin-soup/ This is a history of shark fin soup – its cultural role, ingredients and some alternatives
Laws about shark finning
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IK5s_rzvsSM/T0DDWYvgXKI/AAAAAAAADtA/TM06F2ilKYc/s1600/SOSF-sharkfinning_infographic.jpg Infographic map with info about shark finning, including laws banning it (across the top) from the Save Our Seas Foundation
http://sharkangels.org/index.php/issues-facing-sharks/laws-protecting-sharks/100-is-shark-finning-legal This is a great resource that has links to laws protecting sharks, a table of countries with shark finning regulations, and explains how some countries have regulations against it but turn a blind eye.
How countries get through loopholes in the law
http://www.seashepherd.org/commentary-and-editorials/2012/10/15/costa-rica-bans-shark-finning-or-have-they-568 This looks at the situation in Costa Rica, where the president signed a decree banning shark finning. In this article the Sea Shepherd organization questions if this is going to actually change things – they don’t think so!
http://www.treehugger.com/ocean-conservation/horrific-legal-loophole-allows-costa-rica-fishermen-fin-sharks.html Even though shark finning is technically banned in Costa Rica, fishermen are still cutting the fins off and throwing the bodies back but they are making sure the fins are attached to a portion of the spine so that they are technically within the boundaries of the law.
https://news.vice.com/article/gruesome-spining-loophole-aids-criminal-shark-finning-in-costa-rica Like the above article, this looks at the practice of spining sharks so that there is some of the shark’s body attached to the fin which makes it technically legal to catch sharks only for the fins.
http://www.pri.org/stories/2013-12-17/shark-finning-proves-tough-eradicate-even-green-costa-rica This article reveals the corruption in the Costa Rican fishing industry. Even though shark finning is technically illegal it is still being done because there is such high demand from people who will pay high prices for the fins. This shows how some fishing boats get around the inspectors and looks at why it is so hard to enforce the shark finning ban.
http://www.thefishsite.com/fishnews/24530/call-to-close-legal-loopholes-that-allow-illegal-shark-finningOrganisations in Europe are calling for action to close loopholes in the law that allow fishermen to get away with finning sharks even though it’s technically illegal
Impacts of shark finning on people
http://www.seashepherd.org/operation-requiem/a-toxic-treat.html This is a good explanation of why eating shark is bad for humans because of the toxins, including mercury, the flesh contains.
http://www.livescience.com/18636-shark-fin-soup-neurotoxin.html
Shark fin soup comes with a side of toxins
http://fin-free.com/factsheets/top-reasons-to-ban-the-fin/ Top reasons to ban the fin trade, including the negative impact shark finning has on people
http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2014/02/13/shark-fishers-in-madagascar-sell-fins-for-pennies/ This is the story of a fisherman in Madagascar who collects shark fins. He talks about the problems his community is facing because of the declining shark population and declining prices for shark fins.
http://www.sharksavers.org/en/education/the-value-of-sharks/sharks-and-ecotourism/ Instead of shark finning, keeping shark populations alive and healthy in waters could bring tourists to and help communities make money in an environmentally sustainable way
http://animals.howstuffworks.com/endangered-species/shark-finning.htm These are top reasons why shark finning should be banned. Some are about impact on people.
Impacts of shark finning on environment
http://www.sharksavers.org/en/education/sharks-are-in-trouble/the-impact-of-the-shark-fin-trade/ This outlines the declining population of sharks across the world due to the shark finning trade. 141 shark species are classified as threatened or near threatened with extinction now!
http://fin-free.com/factsheets/top-reasons-to-ban-the-fin/ These are top reasons why shark finning should be banned. Some are about impact on the environment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3ubR0LbQv0 Video: Shark extinction and effect on eco-system (Gordon Ramsey talks with a marine biologist)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzlqXMateRE Video: What would happen if sharks disappeared?
http://www.seashepherd.org/operation-requiem/why-we-need-sharks.html
This explains why sharks are so important in our environment and food chain, and what might happen if sharks became extinct.
http://www.sharksavers.org/en/education/the-value-of-sharks/sharks-role-in-the-ocean/ This contains information about sharks’ role in the food chain and environment around them. Sharks are important for the eco-system’s health and survival!
http://www.sharksavers.org/en/our-programs/i-m-finished-with-fins/learn-more/shark-fin-soup-harms-our-oceans/ This looks at the problems that will arise with the loss of sharks. It will impact the ocean’s ecosystem, the livelihoods of fishermen and the loss of eco-tourism.
Solutions to shark finning
http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/help-stop-shark-finning/ This has a list of things that you can do to contribute to the campaign against shark finning.
http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/anti-shark-finning-campaigns/ This is a list of different campaigns in different parts of the world in the last few years that are working towards the banning of shark finning. It also has some suggestions for action you can take to support these campaigns.
http://www.sharktrust.org/en/celebrity_supporters This is a list of celebrities who support the fight against shark finning
http://www.thenational.ae/multimedia/video-the-fight-to-curb-shark-finning-in-the-gulf Video: The fight to stop shark finning in the Arabian Gulf
http://www.thenational.ae/uae/environment/dubai-finathon-raises-awareness-funds-to-combat-shark-fin-consumption Dubai Finathon raises awareness and funds to combat shark fin consumption
http://asiancorrespondent.com/108652/shark-tourism-vs-shark-fin-soup/ A new global study suggests that conserving sharks and using them as tourist attractions has more economic benefit than harvesting their fins for shark fin soup.
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Philippine-Airlines-hailed-for-ban-on-shark-fin-ca-59646.html Philippine airlines standing up for sharks. The company would “formalise and strengthen a freight policy it has recently adopted to stop the shipment of shark fin in support of its overall commitment to sustainable development.”
Shark finning in the news
http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/indiana-kids-educate-school-about-shark-finning/ Indiana kids educate school about shark finning
http://www.sharktrust.org/en/news/article/370/stronger-shark-finning-ban-clears-final-hurdle-in-eu.htmlStronger shark finning ban clears final hurdle in EU.
Shark Finning in NZ
http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/campaigns/shark-finning-new-zealands-shame Forest and Bird NZ website about shark finning in NZ and the recent ban that’s been brought in. It also has info about why sharks are caught for their fins, the problems this creates and what is being done about it
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11311831
A planned ban on finning of all shark species, except blue sharks, was to be introduced by October 2015, with a ban on removing blue sharks' fins introduced the following October. However, the plan was brought forward to October 2014 following an outcry from conservation groups.
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/consumer-power-prompts-fast-tracking-shark-finning-ban-5979089 This video shows how the power of 45,000 NZers making a submission to ban shark finning has led to the government bringing forward the ban to October 2014 instead of 2015
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1408/S00345/new-shark-finning-laws-fall-short-for-threatened-species.htmNZ Shark Alliance response to new laws.
http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Environmental/Sharks/Eliminating+shark+finning+in+New+Zealand.htm?wbc_purpose=Basic This could be very helpful as it has heaps of fact sheets from the Ministry of Fisheries about the shark finning ban here
What it is
http://www.sharkwater.com/education.htm Great overview of shark finning facts to start you off.
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/community-reports/shark-finning-a-horrifying-crime-1.1326409 A really good overview of the shark finning issue in the United Arab Emirates
Frequently Asked Questions about shark finning – a great overview! http://www.sharktrust.org/en/finning_faqs
http://ocean.si.edu/ocean-news/shark-finning-sharks-turned-prey This gives information about causes, shark fin soup, the possibility of extinction and the impact this will have on the eco-system, and the progress that’s been made to solve this issue.
http://animals.howstuffworks.com/endangered-species/shark-finning.htm Another good overview about shark finning and its effects
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0qkr2cIe5c - Shark finning video with explanation. Sad and a bit gruesome but it shows you what the situation is like and how the finning of sharks is done. On youtube so you will have to watch it at home
http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/videos/ Range of shark finning related videos
Causes
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/archive/shark-fin-hungry-china-drives-chaotic-fishing-in-indonesia/ This is about how the Chinese consumption of shark fin soup and powder puts pressure on Indonesian fishermen to catch large amounts of sharks, and the impact that has on shark populations
http://sharkangels.org/index.php/issues-facing-sharks/shark-fin-soup
Information about shark fin soup and the impact the trade has on the environment and on people
http://www.sharktrust.org/en/shark_fin_trade Overview of the shark fin trade, has some links to other sites and resources and also includes diagrams of sharks and their fins
Shark Fin Soup
http://www.sharktruth.com/learn/history-of-shark-fin-soup/ This is a history of shark fin soup – its cultural role, ingredients and some alternatives
Laws about shark finning
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IK5s_rzvsSM/T0DDWYvgXKI/AAAAAAAADtA/TM06F2ilKYc/s1600/SOSF-sharkfinning_infographic.jpg Infographic map with info about shark finning, including laws banning it (across the top) from the Save Our Seas Foundation
http://sharkangels.org/index.php/issues-facing-sharks/laws-protecting-sharks/100-is-shark-finning-legal This is a great resource that has links to laws protecting sharks, a table of countries with shark finning regulations, and explains how some countries have regulations against it but turn a blind eye.
How countries get through loopholes in the law
http://www.seashepherd.org/commentary-and-editorials/2012/10/15/costa-rica-bans-shark-finning-or-have-they-568 This looks at the situation in Costa Rica, where the president signed a decree banning shark finning. In this article the Sea Shepherd organization questions if this is going to actually change things – they don’t think so!
http://www.treehugger.com/ocean-conservation/horrific-legal-loophole-allows-costa-rica-fishermen-fin-sharks.html Even though shark finning is technically banned in Costa Rica, fishermen are still cutting the fins off and throwing the bodies back but they are making sure the fins are attached to a portion of the spine so that they are technically within the boundaries of the law.
https://news.vice.com/article/gruesome-spining-loophole-aids-criminal-shark-finning-in-costa-rica Like the above article, this looks at the practice of spining sharks so that there is some of the shark’s body attached to the fin which makes it technically legal to catch sharks only for the fins.
http://www.pri.org/stories/2013-12-17/shark-finning-proves-tough-eradicate-even-green-costa-rica This article reveals the corruption in the Costa Rican fishing industry. Even though shark finning is technically illegal it is still being done because there is such high demand from people who will pay high prices for the fins. This shows how some fishing boats get around the inspectors and looks at why it is so hard to enforce the shark finning ban.
http://www.thefishsite.com/fishnews/24530/call-to-close-legal-loopholes-that-allow-illegal-shark-finningOrganisations in Europe are calling for action to close loopholes in the law that allow fishermen to get away with finning sharks even though it’s technically illegal
Impacts of shark finning on people
http://www.seashepherd.org/operation-requiem/a-toxic-treat.html This is a good explanation of why eating shark is bad for humans because of the toxins, including mercury, the flesh contains.
http://www.livescience.com/18636-shark-fin-soup-neurotoxin.html
Shark fin soup comes with a side of toxins
http://fin-free.com/factsheets/top-reasons-to-ban-the-fin/ Top reasons to ban the fin trade, including the negative impact shark finning has on people
http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2014/02/13/shark-fishers-in-madagascar-sell-fins-for-pennies/ This is the story of a fisherman in Madagascar who collects shark fins. He talks about the problems his community is facing because of the declining shark population and declining prices for shark fins.
http://www.sharksavers.org/en/education/the-value-of-sharks/sharks-and-ecotourism/ Instead of shark finning, keeping shark populations alive and healthy in waters could bring tourists to and help communities make money in an environmentally sustainable way
http://animals.howstuffworks.com/endangered-species/shark-finning.htm These are top reasons why shark finning should be banned. Some are about impact on people.
Impacts of shark finning on environment
http://www.sharksavers.org/en/education/sharks-are-in-trouble/the-impact-of-the-shark-fin-trade/ This outlines the declining population of sharks across the world due to the shark finning trade. 141 shark species are classified as threatened or near threatened with extinction now!
http://fin-free.com/factsheets/top-reasons-to-ban-the-fin/ These are top reasons why shark finning should be banned. Some are about impact on the environment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3ubR0LbQv0 Video: Shark extinction and effect on eco-system (Gordon Ramsey talks with a marine biologist)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzlqXMateRE Video: What would happen if sharks disappeared?
http://www.seashepherd.org/operation-requiem/why-we-need-sharks.html
This explains why sharks are so important in our environment and food chain, and what might happen if sharks became extinct.
http://www.sharksavers.org/en/education/the-value-of-sharks/sharks-role-in-the-ocean/ This contains information about sharks’ role in the food chain and environment around them. Sharks are important for the eco-system’s health and survival!
http://www.sharksavers.org/en/our-programs/i-m-finished-with-fins/learn-more/shark-fin-soup-harms-our-oceans/ This looks at the problems that will arise with the loss of sharks. It will impact the ocean’s ecosystem, the livelihoods of fishermen and the loss of eco-tourism.
Solutions to shark finning
http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/help-stop-shark-finning/ This has a list of things that you can do to contribute to the campaign against shark finning.
http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/anti-shark-finning-campaigns/ This is a list of different campaigns in different parts of the world in the last few years that are working towards the banning of shark finning. It also has some suggestions for action you can take to support these campaigns.
http://www.sharktrust.org/en/celebrity_supporters This is a list of celebrities who support the fight against shark finning
http://www.thenational.ae/multimedia/video-the-fight-to-curb-shark-finning-in-the-gulf Video: The fight to stop shark finning in the Arabian Gulf
http://www.thenational.ae/uae/environment/dubai-finathon-raises-awareness-funds-to-combat-shark-fin-consumption Dubai Finathon raises awareness and funds to combat shark fin consumption
http://asiancorrespondent.com/108652/shark-tourism-vs-shark-fin-soup/ A new global study suggests that conserving sharks and using them as tourist attractions has more economic benefit than harvesting their fins for shark fin soup.
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Philippine-Airlines-hailed-for-ban-on-shark-fin-ca-59646.html Philippine airlines standing up for sharks. The company would “formalise and strengthen a freight policy it has recently adopted to stop the shipment of shark fin in support of its overall commitment to sustainable development.”
Shark finning in the news
http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/indiana-kids-educate-school-about-shark-finning/ Indiana kids educate school about shark finning
http://www.sharktrust.org/en/news/article/370/stronger-shark-finning-ban-clears-final-hurdle-in-eu.htmlStronger shark finning ban clears final hurdle in EU.
Shark Finning in NZ
http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/campaigns/shark-finning-new-zealands-shame Forest and Bird NZ website about shark finning in NZ and the recent ban that’s been brought in. It also has info about why sharks are caught for their fins, the problems this creates and what is being done about it
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11311831
A planned ban on finning of all shark species, except blue sharks, was to be introduced by October 2015, with a ban on removing blue sharks' fins introduced the following October. However, the plan was brought forward to October 2014 following an outcry from conservation groups.
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/consumer-power-prompts-fast-tracking-shark-finning-ban-5979089 This video shows how the power of 45,000 NZers making a submission to ban shark finning has led to the government bringing forward the ban to October 2014 instead of 2015
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1408/S00345/new-shark-finning-laws-fall-short-for-threatened-species.htmNZ Shark Alliance response to new laws.
http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Environmental/Sharks/Eliminating+shark+finning+in+New+Zealand.htm?wbc_purpose=Basic This could be very helpful as it has heaps of fact sheets from the Ministry of Fisheries about the shark finning ban here