Finning

/ˈfɪnɪŋ/ noun

Definition

The act of cutting off shark fins, often illegally, or the practice of swimming with fins for sport or recreation; also refers to the equipment or appendage system of a fish.

Etymology

From fin plus the gerund suffix '-ing.' The word took on a darker meaning in the late 20th century with the rise of shark finning as a commercial practice, particularly in Asian markets.

Kelly Says

Shark finning is one of the ocean's greatest tragedies—an estimated 100 million sharks are killed yearly for their fins alone, and the practice is driving some species toward extinction for a luxury soup!

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