Anti-Shark Finning Bill

By: Grace HanJennifer Lin

What is Shark Finning?It is the act of removing a shark’s fin while it’s still alive,

and discarding its body back into the ocean.Often, they are still alive, and being unable to move

normally, they then die of suffocation, or are eaten by other predators.

As the apex predators of the oceans, the role of sharks is to keep other marine life in a healthy balance and to regulate the oceans.

Sharks provide 1/3 of our world with food and produce a lot of oxygen.

Sharks kill fewer than 4 humans on average each year, while humans kill an estimated 100 million sharks annually.

90% decline in shark populationsThe media often creates many misconceptions about

sharks, making people reluctant to fight for their survival.

Fins can sell for more than $600 a pound, & the soup can cost $80 a bowl.

Background

SenateAB376 (Anti-Shark Finning Bill) introduced in 2010 by Paul

Fong & Jared HuffmanThis bill bans the possession, sale, and distribution of shark

fins in California.So far, only 22 countries/regions have shark finning

regulations including: Mexico, Spain, and India.The anti-shark finning bill is a state bill.The California Senate passed the bill in 2011.

Who Does it Impact?Chinese AmericansFishermen (the industry)Restaurant OwnersShark populationThe economyThe next generationFin traders

Public Opinion-SupportersMany famous Chinese-Americans support the

ban, including lawmakers, chefs and celebrities. Most of the younger Asian-Americans are in favor

of the bill. However, the biggest problem lies with an older group of fin traders and business people.

There have been various protests against the act of shark finning in different regions.

Opposition“This bill doesn’t do anything for finning, because

the federal gov. has already taken care of that problem.”

- Senator Leland YeeOpponents claim the proposed legislation, AB

376, is an assault on Chinese-American culture.

Interest Groups Asian Pacific American Ocean Harmony Alliance

 was formed to give voice to Asian-Pacific Americans who favor the ban in California.

Shark Savers, Shark Angels, etc.These interest groups can also be seen as

lobbyists.“Cultural practices do change over time. Culture

evolves and extinction is forever, it's a no-brainer if you look at the science.”

-Judy Ki (Co-Chair of APAOHA)

Political Party SupportThe California state Senate passed the bill with a

bipartisan vote of 25-9.The Assembly had previously approved it by a

vote of 65-8.In January, President Obama signed the Shark

Conservation Act.

Media CoverageMany different forms of media were used to

expose the public to the shark finning industry.Some of these include: The documentary

Sharkwater (a winner of 22 international awards), PSA’s, National Geographic segments on sharks, news, & magazines.

PSAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn-HScXK2pM&feature=relmfu

Legal issuesFisherman started shipping their catch overseas in the

Galapagos where long-lining and shark finning is illegal. The gov. noticed and started imposing quotas to protect the

resource. The fisherman rioted. The gov. gave in and raised the quotas.

The gov. and police often support the fishermen and finning due to the large amounts of profit it brings in. (i.e. Costa Rica)

Making the possession of shark fins illegal might encourage the creation of a black market.

So What Can YOU Do?1. Join an interest group, be an activist.2. Do not consume or purchase shark.3. Speak Out. And defend sharks.4. Keep sharks out of your cosmetics

(Squalene).5. Develop a voice.