U.S. Takes Aim at Global Shark Fin Trade
The United States is leading the way in the global fight against the shark fin trade. Sharks are one of the oldest animals on earth but they are threatened by human activities such as overfishing, bycatch, and the cruel practice of finning. The fin trade is a lucrative business and can be traced to all corners of the globe.
What is Shark Finning?
Finning is the cruel practice of slicing off shark fins and then throwing the entire shark back into the ocean, where it will likely drown, suffocate or die from predation. This vile practice often occurs at sea and the fins are collected for use in shark fin soup, a delicacy in some Asian countries.
U.S. Takes Action
The United States is taking steps to protect these majestic animals and has recently put pressure on other countries to adopt similar restrictions on the trade. U.S. regulations ban the possession and sale of shark fins but do not make it illegal to catch them, though some states have put in place tighter regulations.
In addition, the United States recently signed onto the U.N.’s Port State Measures Agreement, which calls on states to take steps to prevent the shipment of illegally caught sharks and shark products, including fins. It is the first international agreement of its kind to do so.
Other Efforts
Other measures are also being taken around the world to protect sharks. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has recognized the threats posed by finning and has put in place restrictions on the international trade of shark fins.
What You Can Do
There are several steps individuals can take to help protect sharks.
- Support local and national efforts to protect sharks.
- Refuse to purchase shark fins or shark products.
- Ask restaurants to not serve any shark fin dishes.
- Support sustainable fishing practices.
- Encourage local businesses to sign the Shark Guardian Pledge.
The U.S. is leading the way in global efforts to protect sharks and put an end to the cruel and unsustainable shark fin trade. Let’s continue the fight to ensure that these incredible animals can thrive in their natural environment. The United States has taken a stand against the global trade of shark fin, a practice that has fueled the decline of shark populations around the world. In an effort to protect sharks and preserve the marine ecosystems they inhabit, the U.S. enacted a ban on the import, export, and sale of shark fins.
The global shark fin trade has had disastrous consequences for shark populations, particularly as increased demand has caused their numbers to decline precipitously. These threats have caused sharks to become increasingly vulnerable to extinction, leading to a significant loss of biodiversity in their habitats.
In response to these alarming trends, the United States has now joined a number of other nations in implementing a ban on the trade of shark fin. This policy prohibits importing, exporting, and selling of shark fins within the U.S. and its territories, with exceptions for certain fisheries and National Marine Protected Areas. The United States is also encouraging other nations to follow its example and take the necessary steps to protect sharks both domestically and globally.
The ban is a major victory for conservationists, who have long advocated for increased protections for sharks and their habitats. However, this victory is just the first step in a larger effort to save sharks from further decline. A concerted effort by governments, fisheries, and non-governmental organizations will be needed to adequately protect these vulnerable species and the marine environments they live in.
The United States’ ban on shark fin trade is a positive step toward preserving these vital predators, and protecting the marine habitats that rely on them. With increased action from global leaders, hopefully we will be able to save these essential species from the brink of extinction and restore vital populations of sharks to the oceans around the world.