UPDATE Oct 7, 2011
Governor Jerry Brown sings into law AB376, which bans the sale and possession of shark fins in California. HOORAY!!!
Shark Savers Update
UPDATE SEPT 06, 2011
California Senate passes shark fin bill - now waiting to be signed by Gov. Jerry Brown
Update on Senate vote
New York Times Environment
UPDATE AUG 25, 2011
Appropriations Committee passes AB 376 - bill now goes to full Senate for a vote
WildAid and The Humane Society of the United States and Monterey Bay Aquarium then took the lead in this effort and have since brought in many of the leading conservation groups from California to lend their support to this bill. (See Fact sheet for the list of organizations)
February 2011, AB 376 was introduced to the California Legislature by Assembly members Paul Fong, D-Cupertino, and Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael.
Hawaii as a Model for future Shark Fin Legislation
Hawaii as a Model for future Shark Fin Legislation
Bill 376 Fact Sheet
WildAid press release about California shark fin bill
Peter Knights about California Shark Finning Legislation (radio interview)
The Humane Society of the United States press release - CA bill
There is a bit of grumbling coming from the Chinese community about this bill being an attack on their culture.
Every week there are many articles published about this issue (just google shark fin bill California, or CA shark fin soup).
Check out these two commentaries about the cultural issue:
When shark activists bite back
Culture No Defense for Cruelty (by Wayne Pacelle, HSUS)
