Now with the 2008 Summer Olympics being held in Beijing, China, we have an unprecedented opportunity to protect these magnificent creatures!

"Finning" refers to the practice of cutting off only the shark fins and discarding the body. Often times, the sharks are still alive as their four fins are cut off with a knife. When they're thrown back into the ocean the sharks either bleed to death, or they drown.

The rising consumption of shark fin soup is driving many shark species towards extinction.  Shark fin soup, a symbol of privilege and social rank, is served to celebrate important events, including weddings, business meetings and, potentially, Olympic performances. A bowl of shark fin soup can cost $100.