BALTIMORE — Maryland lawmakers have joined a handful of states in passing a ban on shark fin sales with a slight twist, crafting a measure that is supported by conservationists as well as a commercial fishing group.
Environmental groups have long pushed for shark fin bans, noting shark populations are being drastically reduced by the practice of finning. The practice involves leaving sharks to die after having their fins cut off for the lucrative trade in the Asian delicacy.
One trade group, however, argued that California's more extensive ban hurts fishermen who catch spiny dogfish, a small shark also used for fish and chips that is sustainably harvested. The Maryland law exempts the shark species along with several others. Maryland's law was supported by the Sustainable Fisheries Association, a Massachusetts nonprofit founded by four seafood processors.
John Whiteside, an attorney for the association, said other states should consider Maryland's law as a model.
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