video transcript

More than 10,000 shark fins are left to dry on this factory rooftop in Hong Kong. The discovery of this operation hidden away from the public eye has angered animal activists. The fins are a highly sought-after, expensive delicacy in Asia and are prized for their health benefits. But the harvesting process often involves slicing the fin off a shark and then throwing it back in the ocean while still alive - only for the shark to drown, since they can no longer swim or breathe underwater. Unregulated shark fishing can also have a negative impact on the ocean ecosystem. (SOUNDBITE) (English) GARY STOKES, SPOKESPERSON OF SEA SHEPHERD HONG KONG, SAYING: "By taking out an apex predator like the sharks, obviously the snowball effect down the ecosystems will be unprecedented." Hong Kong is home to one of the world's largest fin markets. But controversy over animal cruelty has forced many to host rooftop operations like this one and is likely behind a gradual decline in popularity of the delicacy.