Kiribati Detains Chinese-Licensed Vessel Over Illegal Shark Finning

Kiribati officials stopped a Chinese-licensed fishing vessel in the Pacific.

Inspectors found shark fins on the ship.

Keeping the fins broke the rules of the vessel’s licence.

The ship was taken to Christmas Island so officials could investigate further.

The detention happened during a larger patrol involving 11 Pacific island nations.

Shark finning means cutting fins from sharks and often throwing the rest of the animal back into the ocean.

The practice is banned in much of the Pacific.

Researchers say it has badly reduced shark numbers, even though some illegal trade continues.