Shark's fin ban in California?

[vladimir]

California legislators propose a ban on shark's fin. Hopefully it passes...and New York, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the rest of China follow suit.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/06/us/06fin.html?_r=1&hp

But in a move that has infuriated Mrs. Li and others in this community, a bill recently introduced in the California Legislature would ban the sale and possession of shark fins, including the serving of shark’s fin soup.

 

[Tanked]

I always thought it was banned throughout the US.

 

[Zippsy]

California legislators propose a ban on shark's fin. Hopefully it passes...and New York, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the rest of China follow suit.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/06/us/06fin.html?_r=1&hp

YEAH!!!! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

 

[drbill]

I always thought it was banned throughout the US.

Guess you haven't been to too many Chinese restaurants.

I believe shark finning is banned in US waters, but not the importation of shark fin. This bill would close the "loopholes" and prevent any trade in shark fins within the State.

I have a number of Asian friends (most of whom abhor shark finning) and I travel to Asia when I can to dive. However this is one cultural tradition that has such widespread global impact on not only shark populations but also the natural ecosystem balance in so many regions that those concerns have to override the cultural values.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

It may be that Hawai'i is currently the only State in the USA that has an effective shark fin law, with regards to saving sharks from finning.

Hawaii Has New Shark Fin Law | pacificwhale.org

The State of Hawaii has taken a major step to protect sharks with the passage of a new law that will prohibit the possession, sale, trade or distribution of shark fins in Hawaii. The law went into effect on July 1, 2010.

....

Nationally, the United States Congress is considering S.3231 Shark Conservation Act of 2008, a bill to amend the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. So far, it has been approved in the House. The law would require fishermen to land sharks with their fins still attached. Because the entire shark is larger than just the fin, this would reduce the number of shark fins that could be harvested by a single vessel. Pacific Whale Foundation will be reporting on the status of this bill to our members. To learn more about the bill, visit S.3231: Shark Conservation Act of 2008 - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress

 

[Power Scuba]

This is definitely a bill whose time has arrived in California.

The opponents of this ban paint it as an attack on Chinese Culture.

Far from it.

This is an eco-tragedy-about-to-happen.

Hawaii has passed a similar bill. So has Guam and the Marianas Islands. Washington state has a bill sitting in the governor's desk, waiting for a signature, right now.

Shark fins are like gold to those fishermen who seek it. They commands top dollar. So much so that the fishermen hack the fins off the still-living shark and throw the rest of the shark back into the water. This makes more room on their ships for the only REAL item of value...fins.

The rate at which sharks are being killed for their fins is simply unsustainable. Shark populations are being absolutely decimated.

It has to stop. Now.

Bill

 

[Peter_C]

I read it passed 13-0, but chances are it will be put on the back burner from here to eternity. Anything that costs money is cut immediately.

I sure wish it would pass. Chinese weddings really don't need shark fin soup

 

[drbill]

I did my part... I'm refusing to date any Asian woman who eats shark fin soup. That should put a big crimp into the sale of it! Oh, and I also wrote my representative and sent a number of other letters to legislators and to newspapers on the issue. Hmm... maybe that's why no Asian woman has asked me out lately!

 

[Power Scuba]

The California Bill (AB 376) has passed two committees and is now awaiting a date to come out to the full Assembly floor.

Every Ca citizen should contact their ca state assemblyperson and tell them to vote for AB 376. This is a crucial time i nthe fight to save sharks.

Bill Powers
Power Scuba (aka Scuba Diving in San Diego County ) (San Diego, CA) - Meetup