WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Sen. John Kerry introduced the Shark Conservation Act of 2008 to reduce shark finning and preserve marine ecosystems.

“Shark finning fueled by the fin trade has led to serious population decline and a disruption of natural ecosystems.  The Shark Finning Prohibition Act hasn’t gotten the job done.  We need much stronger solutions.”

In the face of increasing exploitative shark finning practices, scalloped hammerhead, white, and thresher sharks have each declined an estimated 75% in the past 15 years.  Sen. Kerry’s act strengthens the provisions of the Shark Finning Prohibition Act of 2000 by closing a loophole for shark fin transport and strengthening enforcement measures to ensure sharks are transported with their fins attached.  Companion legislation passed Tuesday afternoon in the House.

Below are details on the Shark Conservation Act of 2008:

Congress enacted the Shark Finning Prohibition Act of 2000 to prohibit U.S. fishermen from removing the fins of sharks and discarding the carcass at sea, and from landing or transporting shark fins without the corresponding carcass. The Shark Conservation Act of 2008 includes several measures to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of that prohibition and ensure that the original intent of Congress is achieved.

First, the bill eliminates an enforcement loophole related to the transport of shark fins by prohibiting any vessel from having custody, control, or possession of shark fins without the corresponding carcass.

Second, the bill strengthens enforcement by deleting the rebuttable presumption that any shark fins landed were taken, held, or landed in violation of the law if the total weight of shark fins landed or found on board exceeds 5 percent of the total weight of shark carcasses. 

Third, the bill specifies that all sharks be landed with their fins naturally attached.

Finally, the bill amends the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act to allow the Secretary of Commerce to identify and list nations that have fishing vessels that have not adopted a regulatory program for the conservation of sharks that is similar to the U.S.  This bill promotes the conservation of sharks internationally and provides a more equal playing field for U.S. fishermen.

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