Texas Bill Seeks to Curb Shark Finning

Texas lawmakers have sent to Gov. Greg Abbott a bill that bans the sale of shark fins in Texas, a move aimed at curbing the practice of cutting off the fins and tail and releasing the fish to die.

The bill also bans possession of shark fins with intent to sell, regardless of where they were collected.

Animal rights activists have long sought to restrict finning, which is used to supply some cultures where shark fin soup is considered a delicacy.

Finning is already banned under federal law, but bill advocates say the practice has spiked on the black market in recent years in Texas waters.

The bill passed by the Senate on Wednesday would make shark finning a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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