Recently retired Chinese NBA star Yao Ming and British tycoon Richard Branson made an appeal in Shanghai against eating shark fins, which are a staple of high-class Chinese banquets. (AP)
1. Recently retired Chinese NBA star Yao Ming speaks at a press conference for a campaign against eating shark fins in Shanghai, China, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011. Yao and British tycoon Richard Branson made an appeal Thursday in Shanghai against the consumption of shark fins to a group of 30 of China's richest and most influential businesspeople. (AP Photo)
3. Virgin Group head Sir Richard Branson (L) and former NBA player Yao Ming attend a news conference organised by Wildaid, a wildlife conservation group, to promote shark conservation in Shanghai September 21, 2011. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: ANIMALS ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY SPORT BUSINESS BASKETBALL)