Fourteen animal welfare, environmental and conservation organisations have applauded Gov. Andrew Cuomo for signing a law that bans the possession, sale, trade and distribution of shark fins in New York.
The law will take effect on 1 July 2014 and violations are punishable by up to 15 days in jail and $100 fine for each fish.
New York – one of the largest markets for shark fins outside Asia and the largest port of entry for shark fins on the East Coast – joins seven states and all three Pacific US territories in passing similar laws to provide critical protection to sharks and preserve the health of the world’s ocean ecosystems.
John Hocevar, oceans campaign director for Greenpeace USA, said: “Scientists are still just beginning to discover the role sharks play in maintaining a balance in our oceans. Ending the shark fin trade is a very important step in reversing the damage we have done through this unnecessary and wasteful practice."
Marie Levine, executive director of the Shark Research Institute, said: “Much of the shark fin trade uses fins hacked off living sharks. If we found dogs and horses with their legs severed, bleeding and dying, the public outrage would be deafening. The difference is that finning takes place at sea, out of sight. Because the trade is largely unregulated and unmonitored, and finning often takes place beyond national and state jurisdiction, the most effective method to bring an end to this brutal practice is through legislation such as this.”
