By: Grace Han Jennifer Lin

What is Shark Finning? It is the act of removing a shark’s fin while it’s still alive, and discarding its body back into the ocean. Often, they are still alive, and being unable to move normally, they then die of suffocation, or are eaten by other predators.

As the apex predators of the oceans, the role of sharks is to keep other marine life in a healthy balance and to regulate the oceans. Sharks provide 1/3 of our world with food and produce a lot of oxygen. Sharks kill fewer than 4 humans on average each year, while humans kill an estimated 100 million sharks annually. 90% decline in shark populations The media often creates many misconceptions about sharks, making people reluctant to fight for their survival. Fins can sell for more than $600 a pound, & the soup can cost $80 a bowl. Background

Senate AB376 (Anti-Shark Finning Bill) introduced in 2010 by Paul Fong & Jared Huffman This bill bans the possession, sale, and distribution of shark fins in California. So far, only 22 countries/regions have shark finning regulations including: Mexico, Spain, and India. The anti-shark finning bill is a state bill. The California Senate passed the bill in 2011.

Who Does it Impact? Chinese Americans Fishermen (the industry) Restaurant Owners Shark population The economy The next generation Fin traders

Public Opinion-Supporters Many famous Chinese-Americans support the ban, including lawmakers, chefs and celebrities. Most of the younger Asian-Americans are in favor of the bill. However, the biggest problem lies with an older group of fin traders and business people. There have been various protests against the act of shark finning in different regions.

Opposition “This bill doesn’t do anything for finning, because the federal gov. has already taken care of that problem.” - Senator Leland Yee Opponents claim the proposed legislation, AB 376, is an assault on Chinese-American culture.

Interest Groups Asian Pacific American Ocean Harmony Alliance was formed to give voice to Asian-Pacific Americans who favor the ban in California. Asian Pacific American Ocean Harmony Alliance Shark Savers, Shark Angels, etc. These interest groups can also be seen as lobbyists. “Cultural practices do change over time. Culture evolves and extinction is forever, it's a no-brainer if you look at the science.” -Judy Ki (Co-Chair of APAOHA)

Political Party Support The California state Senate passed the bill with a bipartisan vote of The Assembly had previously approved it by a vote of In January, President Obama signed the Shark Conservation Act.

Media Coverage Many different forms of media were used to expose the public to the shark finning industry. Some of these include: The documentary Sharkwater (a winner of 22 international awards), PSA’s, National Geographic segments on sharks, news, & magazines.

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Legal issues Fisherman started shipping their catch overseas in the Galapagos where long-lining and shark finning is illegal. The gov. noticed and started imposing quotas to protect the resource. The fisherman rioted. The gov. gave in and raised the quotas. The gov. and police often support the fishermen and finning due to the large amounts of profit it brings in. (i.e. Costa Rica) Making the possession of shark fins illegal might encourage the creation of a black market.

So What Can YOU Do? 1. Join an interest group, be an activist. 2. Do not consume or purchase shark. 3. Speak Out. And defend sharks. 4. Keep sharks out of your cosmetics (Squalene). 5. Develop a voice.