Wash. Bans Shark Fin Sale

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire has signed a new bill into law that prohibits the trade, distribution, and sale of shark fins in the state. Sponsored by State Senator Kevin Ranker, the bill passed unanimously in the Senate and was voted through 95 to 1 in the House. “The signing of SB 5688 sends a strong message that the Evergreen State will not tolerate the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning,” Dan Paul, state director for The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in Washington, said. HSUS estimates that more than 73 million sharks are killed each year, mainly for their fins. Similar legislation is currently being considered in California and Oregon.