To help save sharks from extinction, the United States just moved one step closer to protecting them from the global shark fin trade.
On Thursday, the Senate approved language making the possession, sale and trade of shark fins illegal, with a few exceptions, and ban the trade of shark fins. The provision, HR 2811, which the House inserted into the National Defense Authorization Act and passed last week will go to President Biden for his signature.
Read MoreA bill to end the USA shark fin trade reintroduced by Representatives Sablan and McCaul passed through the Congress with a strong bipartisan majority Thursday.
House lawmakers passed the measure that would ban buying and selling shark fins in the United States and help the country fight illegal fishing and overfishing sharks. As part of the huge National Defense Authorization Act HR 776, the “END Wildlife Trafficking Act” includes the shark fin sale provision.
Read MoreIn a surprising decision, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission has outlawed shark lines and wire leaders, both of which are used by industrial-scale fishers targeting sharks and leading to major declines in Pacific shark populations.
Read MoreThe 16th meeting of the WCPFC is taking place on 5-11 December in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, and we are urging member states in attendance to fight for sharks and rays that are harvested in the Pacific.
Banning wire leaders and shark lines would reduce fishing mortality of oceanic whitetips by 40.5%, and that of silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis), another threatened species, by 30.8%, according to research cited in the WCPFC proposal.
Read MoreJoin our Friends at Only One Expressing your Support to List 3 Families of sharks and Rays
An upcoming vote at the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) at CoP19 November among over 180 nations could protect endangered sharks from the shark fin trade Please you add your name to this letter urging world leaders to end the shark fin trade driving the decline of many species of sharks.
Shark Stewards is joining the Shark Specialist Group with the Shark Research Institute to advocate and support new listings of sharks and rays at the Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species Of Wild Fauna & Flora (CITES) Convention of the Parties (CoP19) in Panama, November 14-25, 2022.
Read MoreThe Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act, a bill to phase out large mesh drift gillnets used in federal waters off the coast of California has reintroduced by U.S. Senators […]
Read MoreWe strongly support designating parts of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument as a national marine sanctuary to enhance protections and safeguard resources in the marine portions of the Monument. We believe sanctuary designation will complement the efforts of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the state of Hawaii, and other federal agencies to conserve this nationally significant area and its cultural resources and bolster strong and lasting protection for the marine environment.
Read MoreCurrently the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is in the process of collecting public comments to support the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. This Sanctuary will protect a remote and lightly impacted coastal area off the California Coastline between Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties, critical habitat for sea otters, whales and other endangered species, is sensitive habitat and has significant cultural value for Native Chumash people.
On Thursday January 6 the public can attend the final virtual public hearing for the proposed sanctuary.
Public comment periods are now open for both designations. Add your voice for the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary here, and learn more about Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument here.
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