More than 10,000 shark fins are left to dry on this factory rooftop in Hong Kong.<br/> <br />The discovery of this operation hidden away from the public eye has angered animal activists.<br/> <br />The fins are a highly sought-after, expensive delicacy in Asia and are prized for their health benefits.<br/> <br />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.<br/> <br />Unregulated shark fishing can also have a negative impact on the ocean ecosystem.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) GARY STOKES, SPOKESPERSON OF SEA SHEPHERD HONG KONG, SAYING:<br/> <br />"By taking out an apex predator like the sharks, obviously the snowball effect down the ecosystems will be unprecedented."<br/> <br />Hong Kong is home to one of the world's largest fin markets.<br/> <br />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.
