by Kiara DeVaughn

Investigative reports have found that regardless of the ban on shark fin trade, there are still trades happening in the U.S. 

Shark fins are seen as a delicacy in many Asian countries. The problem with this is the illegal poaching and endangerment of various shark species such as the great and scalloped hammerhead, oceanic whitetip, thresher and silky sharks. The process for collecting shark fins starts with catching the sharks and removing their fins, including the dorsal fin. They are then thrown back into the water and eventually die because they are unable to move. Their fins are then used in different dishes and spiritual medicines, causing an increased demand for their fins. 

In December 2022, the U.S. passed the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act, going into effect a month later in January 2023. This act makes it illegal for anyone to “possess, buy, sell or transport shark fins or any product containing shark fins.” The only way someone would be able to possess shark fins is through legal methods and with a permit. 

A recent report by Al Jazeera, a media network, showed that a Chinese restaurant in New York City was trading shark fins with an undercover investigator, confirming that they sell shark fin soup “under the table,” with one of the workers stating that the fins come from Venezuela. In addition to this, 1,442 pounds of dried shark fins were seized in Kentucky in early 2023. 

The banning of the shark trade in the U.S. needs to be enforced more strictly and managed properly. These two cases of shark fin trade in the U.S. are just a glimpse of what is going on behind closed doors.  

There are many ways to support the banning of shark fin trade and conserve the species that are left in the wild. Raise awareness on social media, advocate for stronger regulations regarding the ban and make more sustainable choices when eating seafood. These actions can help in promoting better enforcement of the ban and will greatly reduce our impact on the oceans!