California Officials Hold Strong On Shark Fin Laws

A California bill that makes shark fins illegal was passed in 2011 and went into effect earlier this year, but there have been continued efforts to fight the animal-welfare statute through federal court appeals. Despite the efforts of shark fin advocates, the Ninth Court of Appeals once again has refused to block California’s ban, which imposes a $1,000 fine on anyone who possesses shark fins or attempts to sell them. Golden State officials have stood firm in their stance toward finning, noting its inhumane nature and devastating effect that it has on the shark population. “The new shark fin law is a critical tool in … ending our state’s role in facilitating this cruel and wasteful practice,” said California Senior State Director Jennifer Fearing. “Fins from sharks should be classed in the same category as ivory from elephants or horns from rhinos.”