Our friends at SeaSave have highlighted some excellent new protections for sharks that are currently going through the British legislative process. The government plans to introduce laws that will render the import or export of any detached fins illegal. The ban will extend to canned products and other shark products.

The Animal Welfare Minister, Lord Goldsmith, stated: “Shark finning is indescribably cruel and causes thousands of sharks to die terrible deaths. It is also unforgivably wasteful. The practice is rightly banned in UK waters, but the trade continues, with serious implications for the future of these magnificent creatures.” And “That is why we are now banning the import both of detached shark fins and shark fin products. Our action will not only help boost shark numbers, but it will also send a clear message that we do not support an industry that is forcing many species to the brink of extinction.”