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King of A rapid survey on “ the availability of Fins” Shark-like batoid fins not quite ... in Hong Kong SAR so what is in my and Guangzhou, shark fin soup?: China retail markets 「翅中之王」不是鯊魚鰭，那麼魚翅羹裡究竟有甚麼 ? 香港及廣州海味零售市場的鰩總目魚翅鰭供應情況快速調查

With the support of:

By:

Hau, Cheuk Yu

Abercrombie, Debra L.

Ho, Ka Yan Kathleen

Shea, Kwok Ho Stan

2018

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Humane Society International (HSI) and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) for their generous support to the project, and to ADM Capital Foundation for their support in-kind. Thank you also to Ms. Zerlina Leung for providing the translated text, to Ms. Cherry Ho for the report design, and to Mr. Elvis Wong and all other volunteers for their contributions to the market surveys.

1 EXECUTIVE 摘要 SUMMARY

Overexploitation has been a major 過度捕撈已經對許多軟骨魚 ( 鯊魚、鯆魚 threat to many chondrichthyan (sharks, 和銀鮫 ) 構成嚴重威脅，除了令其全球數 batoids, and chimaeras) causing 量銳減，有些甚至面對瀕臨絕種的風險。 sharp declines in global populations 在所有軟骨魚當中，有些外形與鯊魚相似 and even extinction risks. Among all 的鰩總目 (, , Giant chondrichthyans, some shark-like batoids and Guitarfishes) 被視為有滅 (sawfishes, wedgefishes, giant guitarfishes 絕的高風險 (Dulvy 等人，2014 年 )。由這 and guitarfishes) are considered at 些鰩總目身上魚鰭 ( 下簡稱「鰩魚鰭」) 製 the top risks to extinction (Dulvy et al., 成的魚翅，在市場上均歸類為「群翅」或 2014). Fins from shark-like batoids are 「裙翅」出售，因其品質及口感被譽為「翅 categorized as “Qun chi” (in Chinese, 群翅 中之王」 ( 楊維湘等人，2005 年；林長治， / 裙翅 ) in Chinese markets, which are also 2010 年 )。 recognized as the “King of shark fins” with their reputed quality and texture (Yeung 儘管群翅廣為人知，但以鰩魚鰭為研究目標 et al., 2005; Lam, 2010). 的市場研究卻仍然缺乏，以致於現時全球市 場上的魚翅有多少是屬於鰩魚鰭，全屬未知 Despite their popularity, market studies 之數 ( 陳，1996 年；Vannuccini，1999 年 ; specific to shark-like batoid fins are still Clarke 等人，2007 年 )。這份報告通過填 found lacking, and the current status of 補市場和貿易的知識缺口，旨在促進就此等 the contribution of shark-like batoids 鰩魚鰭貿易的管理及監管的改進。透過廣泛 in global markets is hugely unknown 的市場調查，此報告提供了香港及廣州這兩 (Chen, 1996; Vannuccini, 1999; Clarke et 個魚翅貿易樞紐的鰩魚鰭市場資訊，包括是 al., 2007). By filling knowledge gaps in 否有售及其銷售價格等。 their market and trade, this report aims to facilitate improvements in management 這項研究亦證實，這些鰩魚鰭在零售市場上 and monitoring of the shark-like batoid fin 至少以「群翅」這個類別出售。 trade. Through extensive market surveys, this report provides market information, 研究結果顯示，在香港及廣州已進行調查 including the availability and the average 的市場中，超過10%的海味店 ( 分別為 prices of shark-like batoid fins in Hong 12.9% 及 15.5%) 有群翅出售，已加工及未 Kong SAR and Guangzhou, China – both 加工的都有。在香港，屬尾鰭下葉的鰩魚鰭 significant trade hubs for fins. This study 比屬其他部位的普遍，但在廣州，較常見 2 also proves that shark-like batoid fins 的卻是背鰭。儘管在兩地市場上所見的鰩 are retailed at least under the Qun chi 魚鰭大部份已加工，但亦有部份群翅出售 category. 時仍是未經加工的 ( 香港：16.9%，廣州： 31.8%)。未經加工的魚翅留有完整的表皮， Study results showed that, in Hong Kong 在經香港及中國大陸的貿易運送途中亦較容 and Guangzhou’s surveyed markets, 易憑外觀上辨別。至於保留群翅為未加工狀 more than one tenth of dried seafood 態出售的背後原因，則仍需要進一步調查， shops (12.9% and 15.5% respectively) 因為這似乎並非現時處理魚翅的慣常做法。 were selling Qun chi, both processed and unprocessed. Lower caudal fins from 從海味店購買的群翅樣本中，經基因分 shark-like batoids were more common 析發現至少涉及分屬兩科的四個物種， than other fin types in Hong Kong, while 包括屬同科的波口鱟頭鱝 (又稱圓犁 in Guangzhou dorsal fins are the more 頭鰩Rhina ancylostoma)、澳洲尖犁頭 commonly found fin type . Even though 鰩 ( australiae) 和吉打龍 most shark-like batoid fins observed 紋鱝 (又稱及達尖犁頭鰩Rhynchobatus in both markets were processed fins, djiddensis)，還有屬琵琶鱝科的吻斑犁頭鰩 proportions of Qun chi were also sold ( cemiculus)。這些品種是以往 as unprocessed fins (Hong Kong 16.9%; 的鯊魚鰭基因分析研究 (Fields 等人，2017 Guangzhou 31.8%). Prevalence of 年 ) 中未有涵蓋的。 unprocessed fins leaving the skin intact made visual identification relatively easy 這項研究證明，這些鰩魚鰭製成的魚翅在香 along the trade route mainly through 港及中國大陸的魚翅貿易中起著明顯的作 Hong Kong and mainland China. However, 用。儘管這項研究未能估計群翅的總貨存 further investigations were needed to 量，但群翅可於海味店買到，加上鰩魚鰭均 understand the reasons behind this 以群翅這個類別出售，已清楚顯示了群翅在 practice of leaving shark-like batoid 魚翅貿易的重要性。 fins unprocessed, which today does not appear to be a common practice for shark 此報告建議，為了更好地瞭解和管理這些鰩 fins. 魚鰭的全球貿易，特別是香港及中國大陸的 情況，分析貿易統計數字時有需要作出更仔 Genetic analyses of Qun chi samples 細的考慮，例如將鰩魚鰭與鯊魚鰭分開統 bought from surveyed shops revealed 計。現時香港及中國大陸採用的「商品名稱 at least four species from two families 及編碼協調制度」未有提供足夠的資料，因 of shark-like batoids, including Rhina 此未能分辨貿易中的鰩魚鰭的分類、狀況 ancylostoma (Shark ray, also known as ( 乾製、新鮮或急凍 ) 或處理方法 ( 如鹽腌

3 Bowmouth ), Rhynchobatus 或鹽漬 )。貿易統計的細節化將有助進行有 australiae (Bottlenose guitarfish) 用的分析，為魚翅主要出口地區制訂漁業管 Rhynchobatus djiddensis (Whitespotted 理策略，以及在魚翅入口地區制訂貿易管理 ), and Glaucostegus cemiculus 策略提供重要資料。要保育這些種群，實在 (), in addition to 有賴國際貿易管制、市場監管及完善執法， results from previous studies on genetic 三樣缺一不可。 species identification of shark fins (Fields et al., 2017).

This study proves that fins from shark-like batoids have a clear role in Hong Kong and mainland China’s shark fin trade. Although estimations of total volumes of Qun chi available and stockpiled in the market was not possible in this study, the availability of Qun chi in shops and the designated category of Qun chi for shark- like batoid fins are clear indications of importance of Qun chi in the trade.

This report recommends that, to better understand and manage global trades of shark-like batoid fins, especially in Hong Kong and mainland China, trade statistics with higher specificity to the taxa of traded products for analysis is necessary, such as separating shark-like batoid fins from fins of sharks. The harmonized system commodity codes currently used in Hong Kong and mainland China do not provide sufficient information on , forms (dried, fresh, frozen) or treatments (e.g. salted or in brine) of shark-like batoid fins in the trades. Improvements in specificity of trade statistics can facilitate useful

4 analyses and inform the formulation of strategies in fisheries management in major importing source regions and trade management in importing regions. Effective international trade controls, and monitoring and enforcement will be crucial to the conservation of shark-like batoid populations.

Sampled Qun chi of different fin positions and fin categories from markets

5 INTRODUCTION

“Shark-like batoid” is the term often management has been put in place for used to refer to five families of rays these species. (batoids): Pristidae (sawfishes), Rhinidae (wedgefishes), Rhinobatidae Studies currently available suggest that (guitarfishes), Glaucostegidae (giant shark-like batoids are being heavily guitarfishes) and fished mainly for their valuable fins in (banjo rays) (Last et al., 2016). Shark-like many areas throughout their natural batoids are harvested in commercial and distribution, such as Indonesia (White & artisanal fisheries using various types Sommerville, 2010), Madagascar (Hopkins, of gears, primarily for their meat and 2011), Mozambique (Pierce et al., 2008), fins. While the meat is often consumed Tanzania (Schaeffer, 2004), the Arabian locally, fins from shark-like batoids – being (Jabado, 2018), and west Africa (Diop morphologically and biologically similar and Dossa, 2011). However, there have to fins originating from sharks – enter been no market studies specific to shark- the international shark fin trade and are like batoid fins, and the latest available considered e valuable fins in the markets research that revealed market information due to high ceratotrichia content (Yeung related to these families were completed et al., 2005). more than 10 years ago (Chen, 1996, Vannuccini, 1999, Clarke et al., 2007). The While the international trade in shark current status of the contribution of shark- fins is one of the major threats to shark like batoids in global markets outside of populations globally, the detrimental their source regions remains a significant impacts of overexploitation of shark-like knowledge gap. batoids driven by demand for their fins remains relatively unknown due to lack In Hong Kong1 SAR, one of the world’s of species-specific fisheries and trade most important trade hubs and consumer data. However, despite four of the five markets of shark fins, shark-like batoid families of shark-like batoids (sawfishes, fins have been observed to appear wedgefishes, giant guitarfishes and consistently in the local retail market, guitarfishes) being considered among under the category name of “Qun chi”. the top elasmobranches (sharks and While it is common for stores to sell a mix rays) most at risk of extinctions (Dulvy of processed (dried and skinned) and et al., 2014), to date, little to almost no unprocessed (dried, but with skin still

1 All mentions of “Hong Kong” in this report refers to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) 6 intact) fins, preliminary observations have hereafter for simplicity) are traded globally found that shark-like batoid fins are sold as a traditional and luxurious delicacy, to consumers in the unprocessed form. consumed mainly in Asia and among Up until this study, the reasons behind Chinese communities globally (Clarke, this preference had not been investigated. 2004a). The large volume international shark fin trade is extremely lucrative. Global shark fin trade From 2000 – 2011, the annual total value of global imports was USD 377.9 million Many chondrichthyan (sharks, batoids, with an average of 16815 tonnes (Dent & and chimaeras) species are facing rapid Clarke, 2015). population declines and even extinction risks due to overexploitation. In the Recognizing the role that trade played early 2010s, about 90000 tonnes of in driving population declines in several chondrichthyans were caught annually, of the most overexploited species, including a large amount of illegal, governments began to manage some of unreported, and unregulated (IUU) the shark and ray trade through CITES catches (Pauly & Zeller, 2015). Over 17% (Convention on International Trade in of chondrichthyan species are now listed of Wild Fauna and as threatened species in the IUCN Red Flora). CITES is a convention among 183 List of Threatened Species (including participating countries and regions (also conservation statuses: Vulnerable, called Parties), that aims to ensure that Endangered and ), international trade in wild plants and with another 47% of species classified as listed in its Appendices is legal, Data Deficient (Dulvy et al., 2014; IUCN, sustainable and traceable (CITES, 2018). 2018). Global chondrichthyan landings Currently, 12 species of commercially have declined for 20% since its peak important sharks2 and all mobulid ray in 2003 (Davidson et al., 2015). Such species are listed on CITES Appendix II depletion in sharks and rays is driven (CITES, 2018), meaning that their trade by overfishing, and arguably the major must be capped at sustainable levels. driver of overexploitation continues to be demand in the international shark Sawfishes are the only family of shark- fin trade (Musick et al., 2000; Baum et al., like batoids that are currently subject 2003; Dulvy et al., 2008; Dulvy et al., 2014). to trade management. In 2007, populations had been so overexploited Fins of chondrichthyans (“shark fins” that all seven species of sawfishes were

2 All of the shark species listed come under the orders of Carcharhiniformes, Heterodontiformes, Hexanchiformes, 7 Lamniformes, Orectolobiformes, Squaliformes and Pristiophoriformes. listed in Appendix I of CITES, a full trade 2017). Important in both international prohibition. However, while all species of trade and consumption, Hong Kong is sawfish species have been listed on CITES therefore a valuable place for investigating Appendix I, the status of other shark-like global shark and shark-related fin trades, batoids that supply the fin trade have until including that of shark-like batoids. recently been fairly unknown, and these endangered families are not currently Clarke et al. (2006) revealed that 40% included under CITES trade controls. of the shark fins were categorized and 30 trade categories were found from Hong Kong as a shark fin trade auction records of Hong Kong. Among all hub the categories, 11 of them were species- or species group-specific. A recent In the global shark fin trade, Hong Kong, investigation of species composition has long been an important entrepôt of shark fin in Hong Kong’s major retail responsible for approximately 50% of markets, Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun the global shark fin imports (Fong & district, estimated at least 76 species of Anderson, 2002; Clarke 2004b; Clarke chondrichthyans involved in the shark et al., 2006; Ho & Shea, 2015; Shea & To, fin trade (Fields et al., 2017). At least 2017; Dent & Clarke, 2015). Hong Kong is three species of shark-like batoids were documented to have been trading with identified in the Hong Kong retail markets more than 130 countries or regions, with study (based upon processed offcut an average of 83 annually (Shea & To, trimmings only).

8 Shark-like batoids

Taxonomy

KINGDOM Animalia PHYLUM Chordata CLASS ORDER

FAMILY Rhinidae Rhinobatidae Glaucostegidae Trygonorrhinidae

GENUS 3 NUMBER 3 9 1 SPECIES 10 31 6 8 NUMBER

Table 1. Taxonomy of guitarfishes

Currently, shark-like batoids come Threats and Barriers to under five families, Pristidae (sawfishes), Conservation Rhinidae (wedgefishes), Rhinobatidae (guitarfishes), Glaucostegidae (giant Lack of understanding and limited guitarfishes) and Trygonorrhinidae research (banjo rays) (Last et al., 2016). The current families are a result of revisions made to Lack of technical and financial support, the classification of shark-like batoids in enforcement and basic scientific 2016, wherein species under a former knowledge in many of the species, family Rhynchobatidae became grouped were indicated to be main reasons under Rhinidae based on molecular impeding the design and establishment evidence, and several species originally of appropriate conservation measures under Rhinobatidae were transferred for guitarfishes (Jabado et al., 2017; into the new families Glaucostegidae and Jabado & Spaet, 2017; Jabado, 2018). Trygonorrhinidae. Information about the species’ basic biology and ecology are crucial to inform the formulation of management and

9 conservation strategies, but existing that they are heavily fished throughout research to gain a basic understanding many areas within these species’ natural about guitarfishes are scarce, hence distribution. information about these species are largely found wanted (García et al., 2008; Shark-like batoids are highly susceptible White et al., 2014). to overfishing due to their life history characteristics of slow growth, late Previous studies have confirmed the maturity and low fecundity. Four families presence of guitarfish sold as shark fins. Rhinidae, Rhinobatidae, Glaucostegidae Species from Rhynchobatus cf. laevis (cf. and Pristidae are considered among the Smoothnose wedgefish), Rhynchobatus most endangered elasmobranch families australiae (White-spotted guitarfish) (White et al., 2013; Moore, 2017). Among complex and Rhynchobatus djiddensis the shark-like batoid species assessed by () were found from samples the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in genetic identification studies surveying for conservation statuses, 25 species (42%) species composition of shark fins in are categorized as threatened (Vulnerable, Australia (Holmes et al., 2009), Guangdong Endangered and Critically Endangered) shark fin processing factories (Huang et and a further 15 species (25%) are al., 2011) and a Hong Kong retail market described as Data Deficient. (Fields et al., 2017). However, there have not been any trade and market surveys Globally, many types of fishing gears focusing on guitarfishes to understand are used in the capture of shark-like the availability, volume and composition batoids , including trawls, gillnets, seine of species traded. Without such crucial nets, and hook-and-line (Bentley, 1996; information, the development of effective Chen, 1996; Harry et al., 2011; White et management and conservation strategies al., 2013). Meanwhile in mainland China, becomes challenging. a specialized fishing method originated from Guangdong Province called “brother Fishing methods and overfishing angling” （兄弟釣） (Lam, 2009) is also used. This method is sophisticated and Ironically, while research in the retail mainly targets demersal sharks and rays. market is found severely lacking, the Sharks and rays will be caught by hooks exploitation of shark-like batoids is well- attached to lines vertical to the main long- reported (Stevens et al., 2000; Dulvy et line when they swim close to the hooks al., 2014; Moore, 2017), and it is known (Wu & Zheng, 1982). Baits are not required

10 by this method, as it relies mainly on water needles and remarkable texture. Due to currents for effectiveness (Vannuccini, its rarity in the wild and popularity in the 1999). market, Qun chi is one of the highest- valued categories of fins (Yeung et al., While their meat is usually supplied for 2005; Lam, 2010). According to Yeung et local consumption, fins are especially al. (2005), traders state that Qun chi can desirable and highly-valued in the global comprise at least 20 possible guitarfish fin trades (Moore, 2017). Shark-like batoid species (the time of writing was pre- fins were found being sold at 70 USD/ taxonomic revisions, including kg in Madagascar (Cripps et al., 2015). hynnicephalus and Rhynchobatus djiddensis, Another study revealed that a set of shark- now referred to as wedgefishes). In like batoid fins could even fetch up to 396 addition, it was also suggested in other USD/kg (Chen, 1996). studies (Vannuccini, 1999; Lam, 2010) that at least two species In response to conservation issues , are sold under the Qun chi category. species-specific catch prohibition on rhinids and rhynchobatids have been Fins from these species are also said to enacted in a few countries, including be consumed for medicinal purposes. For Brazil, India and Pakistan (Alexandre de‐ instance, Jun Ju Qun chi is believed by Franco et al., 2012; Jabado et al., 2017). some to be helpful in curing diabetes and However, illegal fishing and trades of the improving body condition (Yeung et al., guitarfishes remain serious (Alexandre de‐ 2005; Lam, 2010). Franco et al., 2012). According to Yeung et al. (2005), Qun chi Trade Category in the Hong Kong are produced in different areas within retail market: Qun chi – “King of the natural distribution of the shark-like shark fins” batoids, and they are also categorised according to their sources. Dried fins obtained from shark-like batoids are often marketed under the South China Sea was named as one of trade category of “Qun chi” (in Chinese, 群 the major sources of Qun chi in the past. 翅 / 裙翅 ). However, Qun chi sourced from South China Sea is now found to be rare (Lam, Qun chi are also called the “King of shark 2010). fins”, preferred for its high-quality fin

11 Chinese English Distribution 軟沙 Ruan Sha Qun chi Undocumented 黃沙 Huang Sha Qun chi South China Sea 棉 Mian Qun chi Indonesia, China 西沙 Xi Sha Qun chi South China Sea 珍珠 Jun Ju Qun chi Japan, Korea, Philippines, Vietnam, South Africa, South America

Table 2. Categories of Qun chi and their respective production areas (Yeung et al., 2005; Lam, 2010)

Objectives The study furthermore aims to provide concrete evidence for the presence of This study aims to provide a snapshot guitarfish fins in the local market by DNA on the availability of shark-like batoid species identification. fins in Hong Kong and Guangzhou (mainland China’s dried seafood market) As one of the first studies on the and demonstrate that these fins are sold availability of shark-like batoid fins in under a distinct trade category, Qun chi, in the market, this study hopes to improve the local market. Information that will be understanding of guitarfish fin trades in collected for guitarfish fins found at stores the market, with the goal of providing will include: a basis for better management and monitoring of the guitarfish fin trade. 1. Availability It also hopes to set the scene for and 2. Prices encourage further research into the 3. Sources availability and species composition of 4. Categories the guitarfish fin retail market and trade. 5. Species

12 METHODS

Market survey Qun chi in the shop. Where the information pertaining to price etc. are not readily A total of 318 dried-seafood retail and stated on the packaging, the information wholesale shops with shark fin-related will also be enquired from shopkeepers. If products in the Sheung Wan and Sai Ying the shop is selling more than one type of Pun districts (Hong Kong) were identified shark-like batoid fins, records were made and surveyed in May 2018. The two respective to each type. districts are the local trading hubs of dried seafood, including shark fins (Fields et al., Ya jian fins are shark fins mostly from blue 2017). shark (Prionace glauca), and also the most common category of shark fin in markets Further, in total 110 retail and wholesale (Clarke, 2004a; Wu, 2016). Selling price premises selling dried seafood products data of the shark fin category,Ya jian ( 牙 with shark fins were surveyed in Yide 揀 ), obtained from the two surveyed Lu area (Guangzhou, mainland China) markets during the same period, were in August 2018. The Yide Lu market used as control and compared to that of has been reported as the largest dried Qun chi. seafood wholesale market in Asia, which reportedly have handled over 70% of Shark-like batoid fin CSI: DNA shark fin trade volumes in mainland China forensics (Wu, 2016). Due to the limited resources and the high In both Hong Kong and Guangzhou price of the fins, the study could purchase markets, visual observation was made to only 12 pieces of unprocessed fins from look for shark-like batoid fins displayed the category Qun chi from 3 retail shops according to the shark fin category Qun in the Hong Kong market, while for the chi in each shop. Other information mainland China market only 7 pieces of including prices, categories, fin parts and unprocessed fins from a single shop were sources were recorded from the packages purchased. All purchased fins were sent if available. If no Qun chi categories were for DNA test sequencing to confirm the observed to be on display, enquiries with identification to species level. shopkeepers were made to obtain and confirm the availability (or lack thereof) of 13 Unit conversion Currency conversion was carried out from HKD to USD (1 USD = 7.850 HKD) with Weights of dried seafood in Hong Kong exchange rate referencing Census and markets are usually measured by catty. Statistics Department, HKSAR in May 2018. Unit conversion on weight were made Conversion from CNY to USD (1 USD = from catty ( 斤 ) to kg (1 catty = 0.61 kg) 6.82 CNY) was carried out with exchange with reference to Customs and Excise rate reference to State Administration of Department, HKSAR. Foreign Exchange, People’s Republic of China in July 2018.

Unprocessed Qun chi displayed and retailed in markets

Piles of Qun chi are available in certain shops and sorted into distinct bags

DNA forensics was used to identify fins to species level

14 RESULTS

Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun, Among the Qun chi found in the market, Hong Kong lower caudal fins (86.4%) were more commonly observed than dorsal fins Availability and price (13.6%).

Among the surveyed dried-seafood Most Qun chi found in the shops were shops (n=318), 12.9% (n=41) were selling processed (83.1%), and 16.9% were Qun chi, including both processed and unprocessed. unprocessed pieces.

Fig 1. Percentage of Qun chi fin types (left) and process or unprocessed (right)

15 Snapshots of the average market price of fluctuated, but there are no significant Qun chi in this study was 184.8 ± 19.6 USD differences in the recorded market prices / kg (± S.E.). Comparing with price records of Qun chi between 2016 and 2018 (Fig. 2). in 2016 (233.8 ± 64.9 USD / kg) and 2017 (148.4 ± 33.4 USD / kg), the market prices

Fig 2. Mean market price of Qun chi and Ya jian in Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun from 2016-2018 (± S.E., n stated below error bars)

16 Categories

In this study, at least eight retail categories of Qun chi were recorded. Apart from traditional categories “Jin Shan”, “Jun Ju” and “Ruan Sha”, other categories were recorded in the market.

English (-Qun chi) Direct translation Chinese (-群翅/裙翅) Jin Shan Jun Ju San Francisco, USA 金山 珍珠 Pearl, white-spotted

Ruan Sha Cu Sha Soft sandy 軟沙 粗沙 Coarse sandy

Chao Ding Ding Ya Supreme top 超頂 頂壓 Top class

Yu Ding Jade 玉群 頂群 Top

Table 3. Categories of Qun chi in Chinese and English translation

Close up of fins: One morphological feature of a certain Qun chi type is its visibly coarse texture

17 Sources In this area, Qun chi from dorsal fins (81.8%) were more common than the At least seven countries or regions were other parts including upper (9.10%) and recorded as sources of Qun chi, including: lower (9.10%) caudal fins. Spain, Japan, Australia, USA, South Africa, South America and West Africa. Among the Qun chi found in the Yide Lu market, 68.2% of them were processed, Yide Lu, Guangzhou, mainland 31.8% were unprocessed. China

Availability and price

In the Guangzhou Yide Lu area, 17 shops (15.5%) were selling Qun chi among 110 shops surveyed.

Fig 4. Percentage of Qun chi fin types (left) and process or unprocessed (right) in Yide Lu, Guangzhou

18 Mean market price of Qun chi in Yide Lu Jian. There are no available published area was 276.2 ± 19.2 USD / kg (± S.E.). In data for the market price of Qun chi in the snapshot record in 2018, selling price Guangzou for other years for comparison. of Qun Chi was relatively higher than Ya

Fig 5. Average market prices of Qun chi and Ya jian fins in Yide Lu, Guangzhou

Categories species of shark-like batoids were found, including No specific naming categories were (Shark ray), recorded in the Yide Lu market. (Bottlenose guitarfish) Rhynchobatus djiddensis (Whitespotted wedgefish), Genetic analysis and Glaucostegus cemiculus (Blackchin guitarfish). This shows that the Qun chi Of the unprocessed fins from the category categories include at least fins from of Qun chi bought from surveyed shops the families Rhinidae (former three) in both Hong Kong and Guangzhou, and Glaucostegidae (post-taxonomic mainland China markets, at least four revisions).

19 DISCUSSION From this study, it was found that shops from shark-like batoids. If resources in Sai Ying Pun and Sheung Wan districts become available in the future to support were selling Qun chi as speculated, as well more extensive research, it would be as in the Yide Lu market in Guangzhou. worthwhile to complete a more large- However, surveyors were unable to access scale study, increasing the sample size the storage rooms within the shops or and including processed fins (in addition elsewhere located, hence it is not possible to unprocessed fins in the current to estimate the total volumes of Qun chi study) in genetic analyses to obtain a currently available and stockpiled in the greater understanding on the species market. Despite this, the availability of composition in the trade. Qun chi in shops and the fact that shark- like batoids has its own category in the Visual identification of shark-like trade implies that their fins have a clear batoid fins to species-level on site was role in Hong Kong and mainland China’s challenging, particularly as identification shark fin trade. guides are not currently available. Especially for fins without skins, it was In addition, genetic analyses showed that very difficult to distinguish between at least all the purchased unprocessed fins species, or to confirm whether or not the from the category of Qun chi originated fins originated from shark-like batoids.

Fig 6. Reconstructed and reported catch of guitarfishes (Rhinobatidae) and catching countries (Sea Around Us, 2018)

20 According to the reconstructed catch of Reasons behind the relatively high shark-like batoids, the dominant capturing proportion of shark-like batoid fins sold country is currently Mexico. However, as unprocessed fins (compared to Ya Mexico and Peru, the two nations making jian category for which less than 6% up the vast majority of shark-like batoid are retailed as unprocessed fins with catches, were not mentioned specifically skin intact) for some species warrants by any shop keepers in this study. It is further investigation. While previous possible that both locations may have research has shown that shark fins are been implicated under the “South typically re-exported from Hong Kong America” answer when sources were to mainland China for processing before enquired. being returned to Hong Kong’s markets for retail (Dent & Clarke, 2015), many By genetic analysis, it was confirmed stores appear to offer unprocessed Qun that species from at least two shark- chi fins. It is possible that, given the high like batoid families are sold as Qun commercial value of Qun chi, the skin chi in Hong Kong and mainland China is intentionally left intact at retail for markets. Due to limited resources, only customers to more easily identify them 19 samples could be purchased in this from fins of other sharks. Conversations study for testing. It is possible that species with store owners have revealed that from different families apart from those some customers indeed prefer to buy identified in this study are also present Qun chi in its unprocessed state, and to in the trade, and previous research have process the fins by themselves at home. also identified species from the family Whether for customary preference or Rhinobatidae (Fields et al., 2017). Similar other reasons, further effort to understand to discoveries in Hong Kong, a wide this consistent trend may be worthwhile. range of chondrichthyan, including A previous study surveying shark fins in sharks, guitarfishes and chimeras, were Hong Kong has also found only a small found from shark fin and cartilage percentage of processed shark fin offcuts samples obtained from Guangdong shark sampled belonged to shark-like batoids, fin processing factories with genetic in comparison to other chondrichthyans identification (Huang et al., 2011). Further (Fields et al., 2017). Further investigation research into the species composition on the reasons behind these practices of Qun chi in the local retail market is for shark-like batoid fins should be needed. investigated.

21 Compagno, 2002; Chen et al., 2015; Chen et al., 2016). Landings of shark-like batoids Implications to conservation and Qun chi production within mainland China are possible but largely unknown. Availability of Qun chi in the Hong Kong Further investigation on markets and dried seafood market potentially reflects a landings of shark-like batoids in mainland considerable demand for shark-like batoid China would be crucial for a greater fins in the market. Hong Kong’s official understanding of the role of mainland species records suggest that shark- China in the global trade. like batoid species, apart from sawfish species which were not found in this Fields et al. (2017) suggested that study, do not occur in local waters (AFCD, consumers are willing to accept diverse fin 2018; Astudillo et al., 2018). It is hence types of different sizes and morphologies, reasonable to assume that any shark- indicated by a high percentage of fins of like batoid fins encountered in the Hong small sizes and non-shark species found Kong shark fin-related retail market were in the market through their study. When imported from other nations or regions supplies of specific shark fin species or size via international trade, sourcing from categories begin to decline, it is possible populations in different parts of the world. that fins from other chondrichthyan taxa Given the intense fishing pressure seen such as shark-like batoids may eventually across their range of distribution, coupled rise as substitutes (Eriksson & Clarke, with the demand for their highly valuable 2015). Listings of commercially important fins, the international shark fin trade is shark species in CITES Appendices and potentially driving population declines enactment of consequent complimentary across several ocean basins. Yet reliable fisheries regulations that ensure species-specific fisheries and trade data the implementation of CITES trade for shark-like batoids is largely lacking. controls may also push the trade to seek substitutes from currently non- Mainland China falls within the natural regulated species, such as shark-like distribution of several species of shark-like batoids, to feed the demand. This shift batoids, including, Bowmouth guitarfish in the market is potentially problematic, Rhina ancylostoma, Brown guitarfish as the majority of shark-like batoids are Rhinobatos schlegelii, and a documented already considered among the most at source of Qun chi, Ringstraked guitarfish risk of extinction. The market’s tolerance Rhinobatos hynnicephalus (Last & for diversity hence highlights the need

22 for the effective application of fisheries process (e.g. dried, fresh, salted or fresh), management strategies at fishery sources and not by taxonomic groups (e.g. Order: and trade monitoring and enforcement of Rhinopristiformes) or by species. CITES regulations at trade hubs like Hong Kong to minimize the overexploitation Similarly, in trade statistics related to of specific species that supply the shark fins in mainland China, only three international fin trade. HS codes are used by the China Customs for shark fins specifically: one for dried fins In Hong Kong, CITES is the only legal and two for prepared/preserved fins, in instrument available and implemented airtight or other containers. This provides with the aim of ensuring commercially relatively low resolution for understanding important plant and species found the trade without information about in the international trade are not being forms (dried, fresh, frozen) and treatments, exploited unsustainably. All five species let alone taxonomic records. of sawfishes, arguably the worlds most threatened marine species, are already Current trade statistics in both Hong listed under Appendix I of CITES due to Kong and mainland China therefore their unfavorable . provide very low resolution on what is If other shark-like batoids are proven to being traded as ‘shark fin’. Clearer, more meet the listing criteria, CITES would be accurate records of trade routes and a critical step for their conservation and volumes of shark-like batoid fins would management. be essential for improving management and conservation of these threatened To facilitate effective monitoring of the species. This would also allow for analyses trade, it is suggested that trade statistics of the country breakdown of import recorded by the Census and Statistics source countries, which according to store Department, HKSAR (CSD) may further owners are quite diverse, to facilitate the breakdown shark fin imports and re- formulation of fisheries management exports into taxonomic groups. Despite strategies in sourcing countries / the availability of shark-like batoid fins territories. in the Hong Kong market having arrived through the international trade, the harmonized system commodity codes currently used by CSD only categorizes shark fins according to their treatment

23 CONCLUSION

Shark-like batoids (Pristidae, Rhinidae, Such research will provide insights into the Rhinobatidae Glaucostegidae and species composition of shark-like batoid Trygonorrhinidae) is one of the most fins in trade, as well as highlight regions endangered taxons of elasmobranchs where populations could be in decline in the world (Dulvy et al., 2014). Their as a result of unsustainable international survival is potentially being threatened trade. Our preliminary results indicate the due to demand in the global fin trade. This prevalence of shark-like batoid fins in the study is the first in the past 10 years to Hong Kong retail market and the potential investigate availability of shark-like batoid significance of these species in the global fins in the shark fin trade from consumer trade could be provided by this study. markets, and provides strong evidence Effective international trade controls, that a distinct trade category exists in the and monitoring and enforcement will be Hong Kong and Guangzhou markets: “Qun crucial to the conservation of guitarfish chi”, which is high in commercial value populations. and consumer preference.

This study has also found an availability of of shark-like batoid fins in Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun districts in Hong Kong, the global trade hub of shark fins, and established baseline data for this information. Genetic analysis confirms that Qun chi includes at least species from the families of Rhinidae and Glaucostegidae, and previous research have also identified species from the family Rhinobatidae (Holmes et al., 2009; Huang et al., 2011; Fields et al., 2017).

Further research to understand the availability of Qun chi in major trade hubs and consumer markets is urgently needed.

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28 Appendix A

Scientific names, common names and current IUCN Red List statuses of the shark- like batoid species (Families, Pristidae, Rhinidae, Rhinobatidae, Glaucostegidae and Trygonorrhinidae) (CR: Critically Endangered; EN: Endangered; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; LC: Least Concern; DD: Data Deficient; NA: Not Assessed).

Species English common name Status Family Pristidae Anoxypristis cuspidata (Latham, 1794) Narrow Sawfish EN clavata Garman, 1906 EN Pristis pectinata Latham, 1794 CR Pristis pristis (Linnaeus, 1758) CR Pristis zijsron Bleeker, 1851 Green Sawfish CR Family Rhinidae Rhina ancylostoma Bloch & Schneider, 1801 Shark ray VU Rhynchobatus australiae Whitley, 1939 Bottlenose guitarfish VU Rhynchobatus cooki Last, Kyne & Compagno, Clown wedgefish, roughnose VU 2016 wedgefish Rhynchobatus djiddensis (Forsskål, 1775) Giant guitarfish; white-spotted VU wedgefish Rhynchobatus immaculatus Last, Ho & Chen, Taiwanese wedgefish NA 2013 Rhynchobatus laevis (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) Smoothnose wedgefish VU Rhynchobatus luebberti Ehrenbaum, 1915 EN Compagno & Last, Eyebrow wedgefish NA 2008 Rhynchobatus springeri Compagno & Last, 2010 Broad-nosed wedgefish VU Rhynchorhina mauritaniensis Séret & Naylor, NA 2016 Family Rhinobatidae annulatus (Müller & Henle, 1841) Lesser sand shark LC Acroteriobatus blochii (Müller & Henle, 1841) Bluntnose guitarfish LC Acroteriobatus leucospilus (Norman, 1926) Grayspotted guitarfish DD Acroteriobatus ocellatus (Norman, 1926) Speckled guitarfish DD Acroteriobatus omanensis (Last, Henderson & Oman guitarfish NA Naylor, 2016) Acroteriobatus salalah (Randall & Compagno, Salalah guitarfish DD 1995) Acroteriobatus variegatus (Nair & Lal Mohan, Stripenose guitarfish DD 1973) Acroteriobatus zanzibarensis (Norman, 1926) Zanzibar guitarfish NT glaucostigmus (Jordan & Gilbert, Speckled guitarfish DD 1883)

29 Pseudobatos horkelii (Müller & Henle, 1841) CR Pseudobatos lentiginosus (Garman, 1880) Freckled guitarfish NT Pseudobatos leucorhynchus (Günther, 1867) Whitesnout guitarfish NT Pseudobatos percellens (Walbaum, 1792) Southern guitarfish NT Pseudobatos planiceps (Garman, 1880) Flathead guitarfish DD Pseudobatos prahli (Acero & Franke, 1995) Gorgona guitarfish DD Pseudobatos productus (Ayres, 1854) Shovelnose guitarfish NT Rhinobatos albomaculatus Norman, 1930 Whitespotted guitarfish VU Norman, 1926 Annandale’s guitarfish DD Rhinobatos borneensis Last, Séret & Naylor, Borneo shovelnose ray NA 2016 Rhinobatos holcorhynchus Norman, 1922 Slender guitarfish DD Rhinobatos hynnicephalus Richardson, 1846 Ringstraked guitarfish NT Rhinobatos irvinei Norman, 1931 Spineback guitarfish VU Rhinobatos jimbaranensis Last, White & Fahmi, Jimbaran shovelnose ray VU 2006 Rhinobatos lionotus Norman, 1926 Smoothback guitarfish DD Rhinobatos nudidorsalis Last, Compagno & Na- Bareback shovelnose ray NT kaya, 2004 Rhinobatos penggali Last, White & Fahmi, 2006 Indonesian shovelnose ray VU Rhinobatos punctifer Compagno & Randall, Spotted guitarfish DD 1987 Rhinobatos rhinobatos (Linnaeus, 1758) Common guitarfish EN Rhinobatos sainsburyi Last, 2004 Goldeneye shovelnose ray LC Rhinobatos schlegelii Müller & Henle, 1841 Brown guitarfish DD Rhinobatos whitei Last, Corrigan & Naylor, 2014 Philippine guitarfish NA Family Glaucostegidae Glaucostegus cemiculus (Geoffroy St. Hilaire, Blackchin guitarfish EN 1817) Glaucostegus granulatus (Cuvier, 1829) Granulated guitarfish VU Glaucostegus halavi (Forsskål, 1775) Halavi’s guitarfish DD Glaucostegus obtusus (Müller & Henle, 1841) Widenose guitarfish VU Glaucostegus thouin (Anonymous, 1798) VU Glaucostegus typus (Bennett, 1830) Giant shovelnose ray VU Family Trygonorrhinidae rostrata (Shaw, 1794) LC Aptychotrema timorensis Last, 2004 Spotted shovelnose ray VU Aptychotrema vincentiana (Haacke, 1885) Western shovelnose ray LC Trygonorrhina dumerilii (Castelnau, 1873) Southern LC Trygonorrhina fasciata Müller & Henle, 1841 Eastern fiddler ray LC brevirostris (Müller & Henle, 1841) Shortnose guitarfish VU Zapteryx exasperata (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880) Banded guitarfish DD Zapteryx xyster Jordan & Evermann, 1896 Southern banded guitarfish DD

30