Conservationists have attributed the dwindling demand for shark fins in China to the country's crackdown on corruption, which has led to a decline in lavish banquets, at which shark fin soup is often served.

"We are seeing a reduction in demand from the Chinese mainland. Hong Kong is also showing a significant decline in consumption," Angelo Villagomez, a shark specialist with the US-based conservation group The Pew Charitable Trusts, said on Sunday.

Villagomez was in the Marshall Islands to discuss shark sanctuaries with leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum, the annual summit of Pacific heads of state.