THE report ('No more culling of cats in Chong Pang'; June 19)
stated that 'in a suggestion that drew a few laughs, an advocate
for shark conservation said government-organised banquets should
stop serving shark's fin soup'.
Tabled in a light-hearted manner, the suggestion received
overwhelming support from attendees. Within two hours, our team
spoke to 80 attendees at our booth at the forum, and 60 animal
lovers participated in a global photo-mob campaign in support of
Assembly Bill AB 376, a proposed shark's fin ban in California.
Project: FIN believes the Government can lead by example,
through ensuring that only sustainable seafood is served at
functions.
At the forum, a Standard Chartered Bank staff member revealed
that the bank has stringent rules not to order shark's fin at all
events.
Five-star hotel Fairmont Singapore also has strict guidelines on
sustainable seafood, and its Szechuan restaurant even dedicated a
page in its menu to educate consumers about sustainability.
These environmental efforts are commendable and can only serve
to put brand images in better light. With shark's fin arousing
controversy, its serving at events is quickly becoming a show of
ignorance.
Shark's fin originated from the Ming dynasty and was accessible
only to the emperor and selected members of his court. It was never
accessible to commoners and, hence, is not part of our Chinese
tradition.
In Chinese tradition, the sound of words is of great importance.
Dishes with auspicious-sounding names are usually served at
auspicious events. Shark's fin in Mandarin, however, is called 'yu
chi', which sounds similar to 'fish spike' or 'fish thorn'. If
tradition is of concern, we should not be serving our guests with
inauspicious thorns.
It is ironic that the fins are actually tasteless. They add only
texture to the soup flavoured by other ingredients. At the wedding
of one of our members, mock shark's fins were served and none of
the guests noticed the difference until they were informed by the
couple.
Shark's fin soup was popularised only in the last 30 or so
years, and during this short span, shark populations have faced
worldwide declines of approximately 80 per cent. Singapore, being
the world's second-largest trading nation for shark's fin, has
great potential of making a positive difference.
Jennifer Lee (Ms)
Founder
Project: FIN
