Animal advocates celebrate historic shark fin ban

Posted: Jul 01, 2010 2:52 PM Updated: Jul 01, 2010 3:59 PM

By Tim Sakahara – bio | email

On July 1 Hawaii will become the first government in the world to ban the possession, distribution and sale of shark fins and it’s already sending ripples to the rest of the world.

The law means restaurants won’t be able to serve shark fin soup, but the impact goes well beyond what’s on a Chinese food menu.

From predator to protected, the new state law is aimed at preventing shark finning a process where fisherman slice the fins then throw the animal back into the ocean to die.

“As far as I’m concerned it’s no different than killing an elephant for its tusks or dehorning a rhinoceros for its horn. These are cruel and inhumane practices that have no business in a civilized world,” said State Senator Clayton Hee, (D) Kahuku, Laie, Kaneohe.

State Senator Hee, along with many animal advocates, reeled in the votes to make it illegal to have shark fins.

“It has sent a message that it can get done,” said Sen. Hee.

“This is the first in the world. I don’t how many times Hawaii has led the world but today it’s leading the world and that’s something to be proud of,” said Peter Knights, WildAid Executive Director. “Today is a happy occasion and sharks don’t get many happy occasions.”

via Animal advocates celebrate historic shark fin ban – Hawaii News Now – KGMB and KHNL Home.