THE UNITED STATES SHARK FIN ELIMINATION ACT 

WHAT SEEMED IMPOSSIBLE ONLY A DECADE AGO FINALLY BECAME A REALITY

In December 2022, the US congress passed the US Shark Fin Elimination Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 7776), making it illegal, with a few exemptions, to trade, transport, or sell shark fins.

For Shark Allies, this is a milestone that has been many years in the making. In 2010, we led the campaign for the first fin ban authored by a State Senator in Hawaii. Together we succeeded in passing legislation that became the inspiration and template for a wave of similar bills. We immediately continued with fin campaigns in Guam, the Northern Mariana Island, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the state of California. All passed legislation in record time. In the following years, 13 States joined the ranks and in 2020 we focused all of our attention on the one State blocking the National Shark Fin Elimination Act - Florida. After a two-year battle, we succeeded.

National legislation was reintroduced and with the help of a new administration, the US fin ban finally became a reality. Many organizations across the world have contributed to this success. Advocates persevered in pushing against seemingly insurmountable obstacles and opposition over the years. Thousands of people engaged with their representatives. Celebrities lent their voices. Filmmakers used their photos and videos to show the public what this is all about. 

Through this wave of legislative measures, we have been able to educate the public and raise awareness, year after year. This is the true power of grassroots organizations. We are proud to have been a vital component of a movement that is changing shark conservation.