Every eight minutes, 1300 sharks lose their lives to shark finning - the removal and retention of shark fins and the discard at sea of their carcass. This has resulted in the slaughter of 93-99% of all large sharks off of the east coast of North America, including the tiger shark, bull shark, and hammerhead shark. This year, it is estimated that 73 million sharks will be victims of shark finning.
This market is driven by a high demand for an Asian delicacy meal, shark fin soup, which is served at weddings and other formal ceremonies as a symbol of wealth and a sign of respect. One pound of dried shark meat can sell for up to 300 American dollars, making drug trafficking the only trade to rival shark finning in terms of profit.
But because shark finning occurs in international waters, it is up to each individual country that borders an ocean to create their own laws to protect sharks and ban this inhumane, wasteful, and heartless practice.
In New Jersey two bills have been proposed that would prohibit any person from selling, trading or distributing, as well as offering to sell, trade, or distribute any shark fin or possess any shark fin that has been separated from a shark prior to its lawful landing. These two bills are S1764 and A2719.
By signing this petition you  pledge your support for the passing of these bills and urge their immediate approval and enactment from state legislation in order to save the remaining shark population in New Jersey and around the world.
You have a voice. Make it heard.