Shark fins are the fins of sharks, which are often used in various culinary dishes, most notably in shark fin soup. This dish is considered a delicacy in some cultures, particularly in Chinese cuisine. The fins are prized for their texture rather than flavor, and their use has led to significant demand in the market. The practice of harvesting shark fins, known as shark finning, involves removing the fins from sharks and discarding the rest of the body back into the ocean. This practice is controversial and has raised concerns about the sustainability of shark populations, as many species are now threatened or endangered due to overfishing.