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Shark
Conservation Act of 2008 to Track Illegal Shark Finning

April
12,
2008 - Great progress has been made in protecting
sharks of the world's oceans. Prompted by a 9th U.S.
Circuit Court of Appeals decision to close loopholes in
existing legislation protecting sharks, the U.S.
Congress has drawn up the Shark Conservation Act of
2008. Specifically dealing with shark finning, which has
taken a toll on many species, the Shark Conservation Act
of 2008 would require the sharks to be landed with their
fins.
What this
means is shark data collection and monitoring bodies
will be better able to gauge and assess the quota of
finned sharks that is allowed. It doesn't outright
prohibit sharks from being finned, but it does prevent
the practice of catching sharks just for their fins and
throwing their carcasses overboard. The Act also
requires all maritime vessels - not just fishing vessels
- to abide by the practices.
Best of
all, the Shark Conservation Act of 2008 will allow the
U.S. to hit countries in violation of the Act where it
hurts the most - their pockets. Any country that doesn't
have shark finning restrictions as strict or stricter
than that of the Shark Conservation Act, will be subject
to disciplinary action, including embargo's on imported
shark products from violating nations.
The Act
will be further considered by the Natural Resources
Committee this month, and is likely to get passed on for
further approval. Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo of
Guam, who is also the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on
Fisheries, was responsible for penning this most
precious piece of legislation, which one hopes will
serve as an example for other nations.
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