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 harvesting has led to significant environmental concerns. The practice of finning involves removing the fins from sharks and discarding the rest of the body back into the ocean, which can lead to population declines. Many countries and organizations are now advocating for the protection of sharks and the banning of shark finning to preserve marine ecosystems.