Hong Kong ( CNN ) -- Cathay Pacific , the world 's largest carrier of air cargo , will stop shipping unsustainably sourced shark products in a move marine conservation groups characterized as a big step forward in efforts to protect the animals . `` We believe that we now have compelling evidence that the majority of shark fishing is incompatible with our position on Sustainable Development , '' Cathay Pacific said in a statement . `` Due to the vulnerable nature of sharks , their rapidly declining population , and the impacts of overfishing for their parts and products , our carriage of these is inconsistent with our commitment to sustainable development , '' the airline said . The ban will apply to Cathay Pacific and its subsidiary Dragonair , both major players in the transport of air cargo to Hong Kong and China . Shark 's fin soup remains a popular delicacy for weddings and banquets within China . In order to obtain these fins , fishermen catch sharks , cut off their fins and throw the sharks back into the water to die . More : China plans banquet ban on shark fin . Environmentalists say this wasteful practice puts several shark species at risk of extinction . An estimate 50 % of the shark fin trade comes through Hong Kong . Stanley Shea , from the marine advocacy group Bloom Association , believes Cathay Pacific 's move sends a message to other Hong Kong corporations . They are `` showing other corporates they understand the issue and making change happening in Hong Kong . '' The airline says it will take three months to implement the new policy , but it will stop accepting any new contracts immediately . More : Shark fin off the menu at top hotel . Cathay 's decision came after the airline received a July letter from more than 40 international environmental organizations , requesting it set an `` aggressive timeline '' to stop carrying shark 's fin . In the letter , the group estimated Cathay Pacific carries between 20-50 % of all the air cargo trade in shark 's fin . Shea said they are also targeting the shipping lines , which are still responsible for carrying the majority of shark products worldwide .
Cathay Pacific will stop shipping unsustainably sourced fish products . The airline is the world 's largest carrier of air freight , based in Hong Kong . ` ` The regulation of shark fishing is incompatible with our Declaration on Sustainable Development '' An estimate 50 % of the shark fin trade comes through Hong Kong .