Peruvian police seize 1.3 tons of shark fins

Peruvian authorities said on Monday that they had seized about 1.3 US tons of illegally harvested shark fins. The discovery was made at the warehouse of an export company from where they were to have been shipped, without the necessary license, to Asia.

Global shark populations were plummeting despite efforts to curb mass killings for their fins, eaten in soups in some cultures and considered a delicacy. It is also believed in some countries, including China and Japan, to slow aging, improve appetite and aid memory. According to the Pew Environment Group, between 63 million and 273 million sharks are killed every year, mainly for their fins and other parts.