Kiribati Seizes Chinese Ship Over Illegal Shark Fin Harvesting in Pacific

Kiribati authorities detained a Chinese-flagged fishing vessel this month for allegedly carrying banned shark fins, part of a regional crackdown on illegal finning in the Pacific Ocean. The incident highlights ongoing concerns over shark conservation and China’s expanding presence in Pacific island fisheries.

On August 14, Kiribati’s maritime police intercepted the vessel within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which spans 3.5 million square kilometers of ocean. Inspectors found shark fins on board despite the vessel being licensed to operate in Kiribati waters. Commander Tom Redfern confirmed the ship was escorted to Christmas Island, Kiribati’s largest atoll located south of Hawaii, for further investigation.

The crackdown involved 11 Pacific island nations from August 3 to 14, with support from the U.S. Coast Guard in some areas and an Australian military aircraft. Kiribati, however, conducted the boarding and inspection independently. A maritime boarding officer discovered the vessel was violating its license conditions by retaining shark fins, according to Redfern.

Kiribati’s decision to strengthen ties with Beijing since switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan in 2019 has drawn international attention. The U.S. has expressed concerns that China’s growing influence, including the deployment of Chinese police officers to Kiribati, could escalate regional tensions.

Shark finning, the practice of cutting fins from live sharks before discarding the carcasses, is banned across much of the Pacific due to severe declines in shark populations. Andrew Chin, a fisheries researcher at James Cook University in Australia, noted that illegal finning has become harder to detect as enforcement tightens.

Research led by Demian Chapman of Mote Marine Laboratory in Florida analyzed DNA from shark fins sold in Hong Kong markets, revealing origins across the Pacific, including illegal catches from both western and eastern regions. Chapman also pointed to China’s declining demand for shark fin soup, partly due to a government ban on serving it at official functions, as a factor in reduced trade volumes in Hong Kong.

This case follows other reported violations by Chinese vessels in the region. Kiribati’s recent cooperation with France, including plans for French military personnel to arrive next month to assist with local police station repairs on Christmas Island, underscores shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Pacific.

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