Examining the Regulation of Shark Finning in the United States

PURPOSE:

• To examine existing shark finning legislation and current issues with enforcement and reporting. 

BACKGROUND:

• Shark finning is the practice of removing the fins of a shark while at sea. Sharks are them thrown back into the water, unable to swim or defend themselves, causing them to die.
• This practice has been prohibited since Congress enacted the Shark Finning Prohibition Act in 2000. 
• Congress also passed the Shark Conservation Act of 2010 which directs the Secretary of Commerce to enter international shark conservation agreements comparable to United States law. 
• Despite existing law, loopholes have created enforcement challenges, resulting in unreported violations.