Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act of 2021

Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act of 2021

This bill addresses the sale of shark fins and the inclusion of rays and skates in the Seafood Traceability Program. The Seafood Traceability Program has data reporting and recordkeeping requirements at the time of entry for imported fish or fish products entered into U.S. commerce.

The bill makes it illegal to possess, buy, or sell shark fins or any product containing shark fins, except for certain dogfish fins. A person may possess a shark fin that was lawfully taken consistent with a license or permit under certain circumstances.

Penalties are imposed for violations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

The Department of Commerce must revise its regulations to include rays and skates as species that are subject to the Seafood Traceability Program.

Bill 117 HR 2811, also known as the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of prohibiting the sale, purchase, or possession of shark fins in the United States. The bill seeks to address the issue of shark finning, a practice in which sharks are caught, their fins are removed, and the rest of the shark is often discarded back into the ocean, leading to a decline in shark populations.

The Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act of 2021 aims to protect sharks by making it illegal to possess, buy, or sell shark fins in the United States, with certain exceptions for research purposes and for sharks that are legally caught in a sustainable manner. The bill also includes provisions for enforcement, penalties for violations, and reporting requirements.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect shark populations and maintain the health of marine ecosystems, as sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ocean ecosystems. They also argue that the practice of shark finning is cruel and wasteful, as it often involves cutting off the fins of live sharks and discarding the rest of the animal. Opponents of the bill may argue that it could have negative economic impacts on certain industries, such as the shark fishing industry, and that it may infringe on individual rights to buy and sell shark fins. However, proponents of the bill argue that the conservation of shark populations and marine ecosystems should take precedence over economic considerations. Overall, the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act of 2021 is a bipartisan effort to protect sharks and marine ecosystems by banning the sale, purchase, and possession of shark fins in the United States. The bill aims to address the issue of shark finning and promote sustainable practices in the fishing industry.