WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Sam Farr, D-Carmel, co-chair of the House Oceans Caucus, released the following statement after NOAA agreed to not interfere with the implementation of California’s ban on the shark fin trade. The law was the result of legislation sponsored by the Monterey Bay Aquarium:
“California is a leader in the worldwide movement to end the cruel shark fin trade. Our state passed a historic law to end the trade thanks to the efforts of the Central Coast community led by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I am pleased that NOAA has decided to be a partner in our goal to stop this inhumane practice.
“Federal law should not preempt stronger state environmental protections. NOAA’s view that California’s and other state bans are consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act shows that states and the federal government can work together to prevent the extinction of several species of shark already threatened by finning.”
NOAA’s release:
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