Shark Fin Trade Elimination Act of 2017

Bill 115 s 793, also known as the Shark Fin Trade Elimination Act of 2017, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of prohibiting the buying, selling, or trading of shark fins in the United States. The bill was introduced by Senator Cory Booker and has garnered bipartisan support.

The main purpose of the Shark Fin Trade Elimination Act is to combat the practice of shark finning, which involves cutting off a shark's fins and discarding the rest of the body at sea. This cruel practice is often done while the shark is still alive, leading to a slow and painful death. Shark finning is a major contributor to the decline in shark populations worldwide and threatens the health of marine ecosystems.

If passed, the bill would make it illegal to possess, buy, sell, or transport shark fins or any product containing shark fins in the United States. There are exceptions for certain activities, such as scientific research and educational purposes. Violators of the law would face fines and potential imprisonment. Supporters of the Shark Fin Trade Elimination Act argue that it is necessary to protect shark populations and preserve the health of the world's oceans. They believe that banning the trade of shark fins in the US will help reduce demand for shark fins globally and discourage the practice of shark finning. Opponents of the bill argue that it could have negative economic impacts on fishermen who rely on shark finning for their livelihoods. They also raise concerns about the potential for illegal shark fin trade to continue underground if the bill is passed. Overall, the Shark Fin Trade Elimination Act of 2017 aims to address the issue of shark finning and protect shark populations from further decline. It is currently being considered by Congress and has the potential to make a significant impact on the conservation of sharks and marine ecosystems.