Good news for sharks came out of Oregon this week. The Oregon House passed House Bill 2838 (HB 2838). This means the bill is on to the Senate. If passed it, Prohibits person from possessing, selling, offering for sale, trading or distributing shark fins.
If or when this bill is passed then anyone having possessing or distributing shark fins could face up to a $720 fine. The fine to me doesn’t make much since when a pound of shark fin can sell between $300-$700. Some people may think it would be worth the risk if they could make up the profit so quickly if they can get to the buyers before they get caught. But, it is a great start. I am sure many people would think twice about even collecting the fins for fear of getting busted. The bill does allow for fisherman to have catches of Spiny Dogfish. NOTE- I know that Spiny Dogfish Sharks are pretty well numbered along the east coast (Atlantic) of the USA. I am not sure how many normally are found or caught on the west coast (pacific). The Atlantic Spiny Dogfish is monitored and has regulations on the amount caught.
The bill (HB 2838) passed the House at 40-0. Hmmm, must have some smart lawmakers show up on that day. You can see how they voted and the order of events at the Oregon Gov Site House Bill 2838.
Other states have also been working to pass similar bills to stop the finning of sharks. Hawaii has already banned it, California Assembly Bill 376 Being Challenged as Raciest, and Washington State is just waiting on the Governor to sign their bill.
If you don’t know what shark finning is you should check out Pictures and Video of Kesen-numa City, Japan the Shark Fin Capitol. That post will give you links to a few other articles, videos, and pictures about the problems with shark finning. Killing off all of the sharks will leave the oceans extremely unbalanced. And an unbalanced eco system will work its way through until other life is effected.
It would be great if the only shark fins you ever saw on land belonged to a stuffed shark. The fin of a stuffed shark would be about as tasty and nutritious as a real shark fin.