Shark Finning Prohibition Act
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 106-557.
Official Summary
Shark Finning Prohibition Act - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to make it unlawful to: (1) remove any of the fins of a shark, including the tail, and discard the carcass of the shark at sea; (2) have control or possession of such a fin aboard a fishing vessel without the corresponding carcass; or (3) land such a fin without the corresponding carcass.Requires the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) initiate international negotiations for the prohibition of shark-finning; (2) submit to Congress a list of nations whose vessels conduct shark- finning, set forth a plan of action for the international conservation of sharks, and include recommendations for U.S. compliance with national, international, and regional obligations relating to shark populations; and (3) establish a research program for Pacific and Atlantic sharks.Directs the National Marine Fisheries Service to initiate a western Pacific longline fisheries cooperative research program.Authorizes appropriations.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™The Shark Finning Prohibition Act amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to prohibit the removal of shark fins and discarding of shark carcasses at sea, possession of fins without corresponding carcasses aboard vessels, and landing fins without carcasses. It mandates the Secretary of Commerce to lead international negotiations to ban shark finning, report to Congress on nations involved in shark finning, propose conservation plans, and recommend compliance measures. The Act also requires establishing research programs on Pacific and Atlantic sharks and authorizes funding for these activities. The bill became law on December 21, 2000.
This law prohibits shark finning practices and establishes international and domestic measures to conserve shark populations through research, reporting, and cooperation.
- Makes it unlawful to remove shark fins and discard carcasses at sea or possess fins without carcasses on fishing vessels.
- Requires the Secretary of Commerce to initiate international negotiations and submit reports and plans to Congress regarding shark conservation.
- Directs the National Marine Fisheries Service to start cooperative research programs on western Pacific longline fisheries and sharks.
- Authorizes appropriations to support the implementation of these provisions.
['Shark populations and marine ecosystems benefiting from conservation efforts', 'National Marine Fisheries Service through expanded research programs', 'U.S. fishing industry complying with new regulations', 'International conservation partners engaged in negotiations']
['Implementation challenges in monitoring and enforcing possession and landing restrictions on shark fins', 'Costs associated with international negotiations, research programs, and enforcement activities', 'Authority and capacity of the Secretary of Commerce and National Marine Fisheries Service to carry out new responsibilities', 'Oversight mechanisms for ensuring compliance with international conservation obligations']
The bill was enacted as Public Law No: 106-557 on December 21, 2000, reflecting congressional action to address shark finning practices through amendments to existing fishery management law. It aligns with broader efforts to conserve marine resources and regulate fishing practices internationally and domestically.
High concern review — 3 hidden impact flags detected
GovScope reviewed 3 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['Potential improvement in shark population health due to reduced finning practices.', 'Increased international cooperation on marine conservation issues.', 'Possible economic impacts on fishing operations adapting to new possession and landing rules.', 'Enhanced scientific understanding of shark species through mandated research programs.']
The bill establishes clear prohibitions and responsibilities but requires ongoing oversight to ensure effective enforcement of possession and landing restrictions. Transparency in the Secretary of Commerce's reporting to Congress and the progress of international negotiations will be important for public accountability. Funding authorization should be monitored to assess adequacy for research and enforcement activities.
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