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FIN-ALE: The kitchen at Wagamama
FIN-ALE: The kitchen at Wagamama

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Restaurant chain bans fish dish to help save sharks

Carl Palmer
8/ 5/2004

MANCHESTER'S trendy noodle bar Wagamama has removed shark from its menu amid fears that the species could be wiped out by 2017.

Bite-Back, the marine conservation organisation, says that while the mako shark is not a threatened species, its inclusion on Wagamama's menu potentially promoted the misconception that eating all shark was all right.

Wagamama has now removed mako shark from it 24 restaurants across the country.

Bite-Back says that 270,000 sharks a day are being slaughtered to keep up with worldwide demand.

It is predicted that if shark landings continue at current levels, 20 species could be wiped out by 2017.

This could bring causing catastrophic consequences to the marine eco-system.

Adrian McCormack, Wagamama's executive chef, said: "Working with Bite-Back, we were quick to learn and appreciate the possible implications our actions could have.

Abhorrent

"Understanding the issues, we are happy to remove shark from our menu and help set a positive example to our customers and the restaurant industry."

Graham Buckingham, campaign director for Bite-Back, explained: "The abhorrent and unsustainable number of sharks being slaughtered is dictated purely by consumer demand.

"Only when we remove demand for shark meat and fins can we have a positive effect on lowering the number of sharks that are needlessly slaughtered every year.

"We are genuinely indebted to Wagamama for turning a commercial decision into a compassionate conclusion."

It is estimated that 3,300 tons of shark meat and fins were consumed in British restaurants last year, contributing to the rapid demise of some species.

As well as its Manchester restaurant Wagamama has 17 outlets in London, plus others in Bristol, Kingston-upon-Thames, Nottingham, St Albans, Guildford and Glasgow.

Is Wagamama right to ban shark dishes?


| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(8)


Most recent 2 of 8 user comments

   I THINK THEY HAVE MADE A GREAT CHOICE, AND THANK THEM FOR DOING SO SHARKS ARE BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS, AND SHOULDN'T BE HARMED, THERE IS REALLY ONLY A DEMAND FOR THE FINS ITS A COMPLETE WASTE TO JUST TAKE FINS AND LEAVE THE ANIMAL TO DIE. UNLIKE OTHER ANIMALS WHERE WE CAN USE JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING, THANKS
JAMES CONGE, FAIRPORT NEWYORK
22/07/2005 at 08:51

Offensive or Inappropriate?

   Well done Wagamama.....well done Biteback. I urge all readers to show their appreciation towards this restaurant chain by buying food from it more frequently. I certainly will.
Richard, Malta
28/04/2005 at 16:37

Offensive or Inappropriate?

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