Shark Conservation
- The European Parliament just passed a bill forcing all EU registered boats and all boats in European waters to land shark fins still attached to the sharks' bodies. This was voted on by an waste majority of the Parliament, with a 566 to 47 margin. This new legislation closes previous loopholes from the 2003 ban which allowed fins and shark bodies to be landed in different ports, essentially inhibiting enforcement of the shark finning ban. This is a great step in the right direction as the EU is the biggest exporter of shark fins to Hong Kong and mainland China (November 2012).
- Additionally, Illinois is the fifth US state to ban the sale, trade, possession, and distribution of shark fins. California passed a similar bill in late 2011 after Hawaii, Washington, and Oregon (October 2012).
- Costa Rica passed a blanked ban on shark finning in October, 2012. This new ban amends previous legislation which banned shark finnng but allowed the transportation and importation of fins from other countries. Sharks can still be fished for their meat, as a source of food. Additionally, President Chinchulla also announced an upcoming investment of up to $15 million in a new radar system which would help authorities identify transgressors.
- In November, 2012 Venezuela banned shark finning in its waters and established a new sanctuary. Similarly to other countries, the shark fins must still be attached to its body. The sanctuary is home to important shark species breading grounds. It covers 1,440 square miles of the Caribbean Sea.
- In July, 2012 China's State Council announced that it will stop serving shark fin soup at official government functions. They estimate it will take three years to fully implement this. Yet, this indicates a slow shift in mentality in one of the countries with the highest demand for shark fin soup.
While considerable legislative action is being taken, issues remain.
- Since countries control their coasts, many countries still have not outlawed shark finning. Fishers can thus go to these shores and continue this unsustainable practice in other oceans.
- Additionally, these legislations need to be enforced. Considering the potential revenue gained from shark finning, many still continue to practice it illegally. More enforcement requires more money.
- Some people are protesting the ban in California. Since the ban still allows the distribution of shark meat, some Asian activist groups consider the ban to be discriminatory to their cultural practices.
- Fishers rely on this as they income for their survival.
- While unsustainable, it remains a prestigious Asian tradition. If consumption of traditional Western fish continue (e.g. Tuna), an equal solution must be found in order to avoid discrimination.