A New Bill Would Help Save Sharks - National Humane Education Society
July 15, 2019
According to a study published by The Journal for Marine Policy, an estimated 100 million sharks are killed each year. The deaths are largely caused by a practice called shark finning, in which fishermen cut off a shark’s fin and leave the animal to bleed to death or suffocate without one of their most vital body parts. The shark fins are then sold for a high price—sometimes as much as $500 per pound. Sharks, though feared by many as fierce predators, are an integral part of the ocean’s ecosystem and marine life; without them, billions of marine animals would be affected.
While 12 states have already banned the inhumane sale of shark fins, no nationwide ban has been set in place. However, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and others are leading the way with S. 877, The Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act. If passed, violators who are in possession of shark fins would be fined up to $100,000 or the fair market value of the fins—whichever is greater.
Take Action: This bill is still in its beginning stages in the Senate, so there is still time to contact your Senator and ask them to vote in favor of The Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act. Please call or email them today!
Dear Senators Schumer and Gillibrand,
I am writing, as your constituent, who strongly supports full protection for all our endangered wildlife, to styrongly urge you to please vote to support The Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act.
I urge your support for this legislation because according to a study published by The Journal for Marine Policy, an estimated 100 million sharks are killed each year. The deaths are largely caused by a practice called shark finning, in which fishermen cut off a shark’s fin and leave the animal to bleed to death or suffocate without one of their most vital body parts. The shark fins are then sold for a high price—sometimes as much as $500 per pound. Sharks, though feared by many as fierce predators, are an integral part of the ocean’s ecosystem and marine life; without them, billions of marine animals would be affected.
While 12 states have already banned the inhumane sale of shark fins, no nationwide ban has been set in place. However, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and others are leading the way with S. 877, The Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act. If passed, violators who are in possession of shark fins would be fined up to $100,000 or the fair market value of the fins—whichever is greater.
Thank you for your consideration of my letter and request to please support
and vote in favor of The Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act.
Sincerely,
Jean Marie Naples, MD-Ph.D.
please vote in favor of the shark fin sales elimination act!