NJ Senate moves to ban shark fin trade

The New Jersey Senate has passed a bill to ban the trade, sale and distribution of shark fin products and may now join several U.S. states and territories with already with similar laws.

"We must do our part to put an end to the shark fin trade before it is too late. Our state must not be complicit in the practice of shark finning, which has led to the extinction of shark populations around the world and wreaks havoc on our entire oceanic system," said Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union).

The bill introduced by Lesniak, along with Sen. Christopher Bateman (R-Somerset) in May 2014, passed today by a vote of 28 to 10 according to The Humane Society of the United States.

Shark fins are often taken through a practice known as shark finning, which involves cutting the fins off of sharks and then throwing the sharks back into the ocean, often while still alive.

More: Emergency action called for blueline tile

Lesniak said even though shark fin processing takes place oversees the products do come into ports here where they are also sold in markets here, in New York City and elsewhere in the northeast.

The bill prohibits any person to possess any shark fin that has been separated from a shark prior to its lawful landing. The burden of proof shall be on the person in possession of the shark fin to demonstrate that it was not separated from the shark prior to its lawful landing.

More: Norma K II not sunk

Violators are subject to a fine of up to $15,000 for a first offense, up to $35,000 for a second offense and up to $55,000 for a third offense.

"New Jersey has taken action to protect other threatened and endangered species such as elephants, now we're on our way to protecting sharks and helping to end the cruelty of shark finning worldwide," said Kathleen Schatzmann, New Jersey state director for The Humane Society of the United States.

The bill must now pass through the Assembly.

Dan Radel: 732-643-4072; dradel@app.com