New York bans sale and possession of shark fins
The Governor of New York has banned the sale and possession of shark fins, to help protect the tens of millions of sharks that are killed each year for their fins.
“Not only is the process inhumane, it also affects the natural balance of the oceanic ecosystem,” said New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo, adding that the state of New York “will be doing its part to help preserve this important species and maintain a stable environment for them”.
"It is inspiring to hear that New York leaders are taking such a significant step to reduce the market for shark fins," said Kath Dalmeny, who coordinates the Sustainable Fish City campaign, aiming for London to become the first city that eats only sustainable fish. "With a ban like this, political leaders are helping to remove the financial incentives that drive the destruction of endangered species. London could and should do the same. We call on London's Mayor, city leaders and restaurants to stop the sale of shark fins, to help conserve precious fish for future generations to enjoy."
Sustainable Fish City has already received pledges to serve sustainable fish from organisations that together serve well over 200 million meals per year, including national government, the Greater London Authority, two-thirds of London boroughs, 16 leading London universities, one fifth of schools in England, top caterers, and landmark tourist attractions such as the British Museum, London Zoo, the National Trust, Royal Albert Hall and the Science Museum. All of these organisations have promised to avoid endangered fish, and to serve demonstrably sustainable fish.
New York is the second most populous US state to ban shark fins, after California, whose ban took effect in July 2013. In total so far, eight US states have bans in place. In July 2012, officials in China announced a ban on shark’s fin soup at official banquets. New York state’s ban takes effect in July 2014.
- Help London become a Sustainable Fish City – sign up to the Sustainable Fish City pledge at: https://www.sustainweb.org/sustainablefishcity/sustainable_fish_pledge/
- Read more about this story in the New York Times at: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/27/nyregion/cuomo-signs-law-banning-shark-fin-sales.html?_r=0
Published Friday 2 August 2013
Sustainable Fish: A campaign to protect precious marine environments and fishing livelihoods, and call for fish to be bought from sustainable sources. We want to show what can be done if people and organisations make a concerted effort to change their buying habits.
