WWF-Indonesia Praises Garuda Shark Fin Embargo

Jakarta, Nov 16 (Antara) - The World Wildlife Fund-Indonesia has expressed its appreciation to national flag carrier Garuda in ending the shipping of shark fins, according to its conservation director, Nazir Foead. "WWF-Indonesia appreciated the embargo policy issued by Garuda Indonesia to stop the shipping of all kinds of shark fins," Nazir said in a WWF-Indonesia press release on Saturday. He noted that Garuda has taken a positive step that should be followed by other companies that engage in the shark fins trade, such as restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets. In its policy to stop shipping shark fins, Garuda Indonesia has joined other airline companies, such as Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Emirates Airlines, Fiji Airways, and Korean Air. He said the embargo by Garuda Indonesia began October 8, 2013. Meanwhile, Garuda Indonesia President Director Emirsyah Satar said that the embargo was part of the company's commitment to support the shark fin anti-trade campaign, initiated by WWF-Indonesia. Emirsyah acknowledged that in the past Garuda shipped 36 tons of shark fins per year, but following the ban, the company would contribute to the effort of reducing the shark fin trade throughout the world. (*)