China Banning Shark Fin From Official Receptions

Looks like China is taking a stance on shark finning; the country's Government Offices Administration of the State Council has decided to ban serving shark fins at official receptions, Xinhua reports.

The guidelines will be released within one to three years. Naturally, Humane Society International has called the move "a watershed moment for the global movement to protect sharks and pushes China onto the world's stage as an emerging leader in shark conservation."

Taiwan has already announced plans to ban shark finning, and celebrities like Yao Ming have come out against the delicacy, often served in shark fin soup.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, around 30 percent of all shark species are threatened, or close to extinction. As of yet, the Chinese government reportedly does not have plans to ban the practice of shark finning.

Jessica Chou is an associate editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @jesschou.