Delaware Passes Ban On Shark Fin Sales

The Delaware State Senate passed a bill May 1 that bans the sale, trade, distribution and possession of shark fins throughout the state. The House of Representatives has already passed the legislation, and it will now be sent to Gov. Jack Markell to be signed into law. Oceana, the largest international advocacy group working solely to protect the world’s oceans, congratulates Delaware lawmakers for taking this important step towards shark conservation nationwide.

“Healthy ocean ecosystems depend on healthy shark populations, but the demand for shark fins is driving these vulnerable predators to the brink of extinction,” said Beth Lowell, campaign director at Oceana. “Delaware policymakers have shown their commitment to shark and ocean conservation by passing this important bill.”

If the bill is signed into law, Delaware would join California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii and Illinois in the growing national movement to protect sharks. Similar legislation passed in Maryland is awaiting the governor’s signature, and New York is considering a ban as well.
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